Object Record
Images
Additional Images [7]
Metadata
Object ID # |
1960.009.006 |
Object Name |
Greatcoat |
Title |
R.A.F. Flying Coat |
Lexicon category |
3: Personal Artifacts |
Year Range from |
1914 |
Year Range to |
1918 |
Place of Origin |
Unknown |
Description |
This is a R.A.F. service flying coat from the Great War. The Royal Air Force Corps men needed something warm to wear in the open cockpits of their airplanes. It is made of light-brown leather, with a heavy, light-brown woollen lining. It has a high collar that folds down at the back. The front of the collar wraps around to the left and in the left area there are two buttons. The front fastens to the right side, and originally had six buttons. These buttons have a brownish colour and each has four holes. The right of the coat goes under the left and is held with two buttons. The bottom of the right side (from the waist) is cut away to lessen the bulk of fabric around the knees. On the front left side, there is a large, squarish pocket, set on an angle. Also on the front lower left side is a large snap-down flap, over a slit pocket. There is a waist seam to the coat. Its long straight sleeves end in narrow cuffs with two snaps. At each front area (at the bottom), there is a single flap with two half snaps. The coat is belted at the waist. The leather belt has nine grommetted belt holes and the leather-covered buckle has a single tine. |
Provenance |
This item was owned and worn by George Webster Butchart, who was an officer of the 147th Grey (Overseas) Battalion, which was raised at Owen Sound, Ontario, in 1915. He was a Lieutenant, and is shown on p. 12 of the UNOFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE GREY & SIMCOE FORESTERS. He survived the First World War. The 147th was broken up when it went overseas, and it appears that Butchart transferred to the Royal Air Force. |
Collection |
Military, 20th-c Collection |
Material |
Leather/Wool/Metal/Thread |
Dimensions |
L-129 cm |
Found |
Owen Sound, Grey County |
People |
Butchart, George Webster |
Subjects |
Airplanes Royal Air Force World War I (First World War/The Great War) Coats Flying |
Search Terms |
147th Grey Battalion Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) |
Function |
Outerwear for a military officer. |