U-Boat Fähnrich's Denim Battle Dress Blouse

On the fall of France in 1940, the Germans overran several allied supply dumps and among the material that fell into their hands were many sets of British lightweight denim “battle dress” clothing. Among those who saw  the attraction of s uch garments for wear in close conf ines of a submarine was top ace Otto Kretschmer who acquired some sets of these for the crew of U-99. The clothing was f unctional, comfortable and h ighly popular. It also  imparted an element of  uniformity where before crews had worn a disparate range of clothing.

The tunic is constructed of olive-green light weight denim cloth with two two chest pockets with pleated pockets and scalloped pocket flaps. Five green/grey painted metal button front closure and dual hooks at neck for closure. The waist has the original waistband closure with metal claw buckle. At each shoulder is a narrow shoulder strap for the rank “Fähnrich”. Machine sewn above the right brest pocket is a EM/NCO’s national eagle. The left breastpocket has loops sewn for one award there is also loops sewn above the same pocket for a medium sized medal ribbon bar or close combat clasp. Inside the left lapel is a British stamp which is partly hard to read, see pictures. The original manufacturers factory tag is machine sewn to the inner pocket. The tag is hard to read but the year of manufacturing is clearly visable “1940”. The tunic is in very good, still used condition without any damage or mendings.

Rare tunic in good used condition!!