Model 1914 Other Ranks Issued Maternity tunic

Model 1914 Royal Flying Corps
Other Ranks Issued Maternity tunic

Model 1914 Royal Flying Corps Other Ranks issued Maternity tunic.

The Model 1914 differed from the Model 1912, in that it carried shoulder straps, a closed collar, an angled front opening, plain cuffs, and pocket flaps.

This example is made from the typcial rough-quality wool with no rank badges. The cloth liner is essentially identical to the ground Troops Model 1902 Service Dress Jacket.

A view of the shoulders on the Maternity tunic. Note that there are no visible buttons and that unlike the officer's Maternity, no RFC collar badges were worn.

The plain wool shoulder straps lack buttons and are secured by black-painted brass hooks through thread loops.

At the collar there is only one large brass hook which fits into a corresponding brass slot on the opposite side.

The top of the front flap is held in place with a black-painted brass hook, while the remainder of the flap is held in place with four hidden buttons.

A close up of the Other Ranks cloth embroidered RFC shoulder flashes. These flashes were off-white embrodiered on a very dark blue wool (almost black) and were required by regulations to be sewn close to the very top of the shoulder.

The back of the Maternity has one central rear seam, with one vertical rear skirt opening.

A wonderful period photo of a young airman wearing an identical Model 1914 Other Ranks issued Maternity tunic.

Fortunately, most of the manufacturer's label remains, identifying this as a Canadian made Maternity jacket. The Label originally would have stated: "The Miller Manufacturing Company Ltd. Toronto 1917".