Identified Pattern 1940 Enlisted Dress Coat 43rd Infantry Division
Item #: WR712
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This is an identified Pattern 1940 enlisted dress coat used by J.W. Black during World War II. This service coat replaced the one introduced in 1939. Made of 18 ounce olive drab serge wool fabric, enlisted service coats were dyed a shade of OD #33. The coat was worn with trousers made of the same material, and dyed the same shade of OD #33. To help give the soldier a little more freedom of movement while wearing this near form fitting coat, a set of pleats known as "bi swing backs" was added to the back of the coat. A pair of belt hooks was also utilized with a 1 1/2" half belt, which was replacing the leather service belt. This particular service coat has a contractors label sewn into the right lower pocket. The coat is partially lined and has no inner pocket, only the four exterior pockets. Inside the lower right pocket the Quarter Master tag is ink stamped "LONDON CLOTHING CORP./Cont. W-669-qm-13563/Dated Oct. 3, 1941/Spec. No. 8-31 D/Dated Feb.7, 1940/Stock No. 55-C-69398/Phila. Q.M. Depot/37 R/ and the inspectors number and initials. The coat is very well made, coming out of the Philadelphia Quarter Master Depot. The epaulets have no distinctive unit insignia on them. The brass crossed cannons of the Artillery with HQ underneath is on the left collar, and the brass US collar disc with the number 152 is on the right collar. To highlight the brass, round discs of red, the branch color for Artillery, have been placed behind each collar disc. These altered collar insignia represent Headquarters Battery of the 152 Field Artillery Battalion. There are three ribbons pinned above the left breast pocket, the Good Conduct Medal the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star. The left sleeve has the 43rd Infantry Division patch securely sewn on at the shoulder. The chevrons of a Technician 5th Grade are sewn below the unit patch. There are two overseas stripes sewn near the left sleeve cuff. The right sleeve has the Technician 5th Grade chevrons sewn on it. There is no "ruptured duck" sewn above the right upper pocket. There is some slight moth damage on the coat. The stitching is strong and unbroken throughout the coat. All of the buttons are present and securely attached to the coat. Neatly hand written in ink on the collar lining just above the size stamp is 11102738/J.W. BLACK. The 43rd Infantry Division was mobilized for federal service on 24 February, 1941. The division departed San Francisco on 1 October, 1942 and arrived in New Zealand on 23 October, 1942. The 152nd Field Artillery was paired with the 103rd Infantry Regiment and was there after known as the 103rd Regimental Combat Team. They would fight together as a unit on New Guinea, the Northern Solomons and Luzon. During it's three years and seven days of overseas service the 43rd Division suffered 1128 killed in action, 4887 wounded, 9 missing and 2 POW's. Four of the infantry battalions of the division earned Presidential unit citations. 43rd Division soldiers earned 2 Medals of Honor, 40 Distinguished Service Crosses, 736 Silver Stars, and 2496 Bronze Stars. Technician 5th Grade J. W. Black's service coat, along with his overseas cap have survived in good condition and will compliment any WWII uniform collection.
Your Price $225.00 USD
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