Winter service dress tunic : Flight Lieutenant R Dolden, 40 Squadron, RAAF

Places
Accession Number REL30579.001
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Uniform
Physical description Wool gabardine; Cotton; Plastic; Silk; Leather
Maker KC
V299
Place made Australia
Date made 1943
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

RAAF blue officer's winter service dress tunic with a pair of pleated breast patch pockets and a pair of expanding patch waist pockets. The pockets have flaps secured by black plastic RAAF buttons. The flaps on the breast have three points, while those at the waist are square. The ribbons of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the 1939- 1945 Star with rosette are sewn above the left breast pocket. Above these is a pair of embroidered RAAF pilot's wings. Rank insignia for a flight lieutenant is carried on each lower sleeve. The tunic is closed by four large black plastic RAAF buttons, and is belted at the waist. The self fabric belt has a brass buckle with two metal claws. There are two belt loops on the back of the tunic to retain the belt. The underside of the belt has two black leather straps with plastic buttons to further secure it to the tunic. A white cotton label inside the back of the collar reads 'V299 A (broad arrow) F 1943 MADE IN AUSTRALIA KC SIZE 21' with size measurements. Over this the name 'R DOLDEN' is handwritten in black ink.

History / Summary

Worn by 412234 Flight Lieutenant Reginald Dolden of Royal Australian Air Force. Dolden was born in Bexley, NSW in December 1914 and enlisted in the RAAF on 22 June 1941. He served in the Middle East with 40 Squadron, RAF and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in June and July 1943 flying Wellington bombers over Sardinia and Palermo. Dolden was discharged from service on 7 May 1945 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant.