Original WWII RAF Squadron Leader Service Dress tunic, named to W. F. Somerset

A superb original Royal Air Force officer's Service Dress tunic belonging to Wellesley FitzRoy Somerset, a former Major of the Welch Regiment who served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War.

The tunic is tailored by the prestigious London firm Gieves Ltd and is dated 1943 on the original maker's label. It retains its original Squadron Leader rank braid, RAF pilot's wings, medal ribbon bar, King's Crown RAF buttons and officer's waist belt with brass buckle.

Wellesley FitzRoy Somerset had already enjoyed a distinguished military career during the First World War, serving with the Welch Regiment and being seriously wounded during the fighting on the Aisne in 1914. During the Second World War he served with the RAF Volunteer Reserve, attaining the rank of Squadron Leader and acting as a station commander at several airfields on the east coast of Britain.

The tunic remains in very good original condition, with only light signs of age and service.

A superb and highly researchable piece of RAF history, especially appealing to collectors of named and historically documented uniforms and museums.