One of the most iconic pieces of WW2 clothing, famous as much for it's long march across Europe as it is for a certain taxi driver! What many people might not know, is that the name Tanker was only really applied post war, these were officially known as Jacket Winter, Combat. This is an example of the second pattern, and it was one of the most well liked and widely used jackets of the war. Issued to tank crews certainly, but these were worn by everyone from the navy shore parties through to USAAF fighter pilots. And it's obvious to see why, these are a beautifully crafted piece with a great fit, and perfect for providing warmth in winter.
This particular example is, rather unusually, named to a Marine. John T Ellington was born in Chattanooga Tennessee in 1924. He served with the Marine Corps, enlisting in 1943 and eventually joining Marine Service Squadron 32, part of Marine Aircraft Group 32. MAG-32 deployed in January 1945 to the Philippines to support in the recapture of Luzon. During the recapture of the Philippines beginning in January 1945, MAG-32 and MAG-24 would fly a total of 8,842 combat sorties and drop more than 19,000 bombs as part of the Fifth Air Force in support of the Sixth Army. Following the end of World War II, MAG-32 participated in the occupation of Northern China. The group returned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in June 1946 and was deactivated in April 1947.
Condition
This arrived with me in rough shape. I've replaced the cuffs with matching tanker cuffs, and replaced the zipper with the exact correct NOS Talon. There is one hole in the left elbow that I've darned. She's now a great piece, a very solid body with a great patina and wear! The lining is in amazing shape.
Size
- No tag, but fits a modern medium/large
- Pit to pit 25"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20"
- Shoulder to cuff 23"
- Collar to hem 24"