After touring the entire CBI theatre in 1943, the British found they were woefully unprepared for the harsh reality of the jungle and designed the 44 pattern jungle shirt and pants, a very small number of which would be made by the Americans in their classic HBT as part of the War Aid program. There are some really unique design features including loops on the lower back of the shirt that hook onto the belt loops of the pants to prevent the shirt riding up, and mosquitoes getting in. As opposed to the US shirts, these have epaulettes, double buttons cuffs and collars.
However it's not the shirt that makes this one standout, but the amazing selection of patches! Given the range on there from Airborne, to armored, CBI to Europe and beyond, I imagine these were all applied in the early postwar years as a souvenir piece! This shirt is named to a William D King and supplied with his tags.
Condition
This is used but good condition. No damage, and the HBT is still think and firm, but has faded through washing. There is a little ink running off the 2nd Infantry bullion patch.
Size
- No size tag, fits a slim modern medium
- Pit to pit: 20"
- Shoulder to shoulder: 19"
- Shoulder to cuff: 24"
- Collar to hem: 29"