AN EXCELLENT WW1 RAF 1918 PATTERN PILOTS KHAKI TUNIC NAMED TO A CANADIAN PILOT WHO WAS WOUNDED IN 1915 SERVED AS AN OBSERVER WITH 10 SQUADRON IN 1917 AND BECAME A PILOT IN 1918

The Tunic is single-breasted, of khaki-brown fabric, featuring an open collar with notched lapels, front fastening of four buttons, pleated breast pockets with scalloped button flaps, bellows skirt pockets with rectangular button flaps, waist belt of matching fabric stitched to the rear waistband and fastened at the front via a double-pronged gilt metal buckle, plain cuffs and a rear vent.

All buttons are present and are the correct RAF gilt type. Above the left breast pocket is sewn a cloth RAF pilot's qualification brevet. To both cuffs are single khaki/blue rank braids for the rank of Lieutenant, above which are RAF pilots insignia; a gilt Crown atop a flying eagle. These are the two piece variety which are fitted to a single brass backing plate fitted within the sleeve.

To the right sleeve, above the RAF insignia are two blue overseas stripes, these for service in France 1915 and 1917. Since Lieutenant Morrison was wounded in 1915, the tunic should have a wound stripe to the left arm, however this has never been fitted. To the left breast was pinned the recipients British War medal, though I have removed it to take the main photos.

THE OWNER OF THE TUNIC

Tunic has a Canadian tailors label that is named; ‘G M Morrison Sep 1918’.

George Meredith Morrison, a 20 year old student from Amherst NS, Canada, a and enlisted into the 6th CMR’s in Feburary 1915. By September he was in France, by now promoted Sergeant. Morrison was severely wounded in action; wounded in left arm and back on 6th December 1915 and eventually repatriated back to Canada. He was discharged in April 1916 on being Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. In May 1916 he joined the 104th Battalion and shortly after said to England. On 15th March 1917, Morrison was attached to the RFC as an Observer and in April 1917 was posted to 10 Squadron RFC in France. On 8th November 1917, Morrison ceased to be attached and joined the RFC. On 10th January 1918, he left 10 Squadron as was sent back to Canada, joined the RAF when it came into being in April 1918. In May 1918 Morrison was examined and found fit to serve as a pilot and at this point presumably started his training. He did not return back to Europe and his tunic being tailored in Canada and the date of September 1918 would fit perfectly with when he would have qualified as a pilot. Morrison was finally discharged on 14th January 1919.

Morrison’s service record notes that as on Observer (in France), he flew in BE2E’s and Armstrong Whitworths.

10 Squadron initially flew BE’s, being supplied with FK8 Armstrong Whitworth’s (Big AK’s) in mid 1917. As a reconnaissance unit, 10 squadron saw a great deal of action over the Western Front. Major formation that they were attached to during Morrison’s service were; Battle of Arras, 1917 - 1st (Corps) Wing, 1st Brigade, RFC, Battle of Ypres, 1917 - 1st (Corps) Wing, 1st Brigade, RFC.

Condition is very good, one small moth nip to the upper rear collar and a little tracking but very light. An excellent tunic to a Canadian Officer who saw a great deal of action. Tunic sold with full Canadian and RAF service papers on CD.