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This uniform is a WW2 Australian Airforce service dress. The Royal Australian Air Force, RAAF, adopted the dark blue uniform colour. In the beginning of WW2 many Australians travelled to Britain to assist with the defence against the Nazi war machine. Throughout the war in Europe the Australians paid a vital role in various aspects of aerial warfare.
The hat, tunic and trousers of this uniform were worn by the original owner during various combat missions, over Europe. The left breast shows various medal ribbons, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Above the ribbon group is his 'Air Gunners' wing. This Australian version of the British badge differs slightly by the colour of the wreath surrounding the letters 'A.G.'. This wreath is a light blue colour, although some versions have been seen with a white wreath. The white wing is woven onto a dark blue cloth, the same colour of the tunic.
All pieces of this uniform are made in Britain by an officer's tailors. The hat is a dark blue colour with a cloth peak of the same material. It had a thin black leather chin strap, and a black woven mohair band, to which, is attached the officer's version of the RAAF hat badge. This badge is made of gold wire and felt, it has a King's crown above a gold laurel wreath surrounding a gilt metal flying eagle.
There are no collar badges or epaulettes on the tunic. On the upper shoulder are two "Australia"; titles, these are woven in a light blue cotton on dark blue wool. At the cuffs of the tunic are the rank bands, of a Flight Lieutenant, under a blackened bronze eagle and crown.
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