Summary

Navy coloured jacket (service dress) worn by a Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader in the World War II. Dated 1943, it was probably worn Dr John Joseph Nattrass, RAAF, service number 257665. He was discharged on 3 Aug 1948 at the rank of Squadron Leader, TD & RS (meaning Temporary Duty and Reserve Staff). Born in 1922, he was the son of Dr John Hodgson Nattrass, who served in World War I and is also represented in Museum Victoria's collections.

Physical Description

Single breasted, navy wool jacket, unlined. Features two buttoned breast pockets and two buttoned hip pockets. A cloth waist belt with a black metal buckle and eyelets is attached via two leather loops. The jacket has four central black buttons. All buttons are black Bakelite and feature, in relief, a crown above a flying eagle. Three yellow and black bands are on the lower part of each sleeve (the central band being thinner). A cloth badge reading 'Australia' appears on each shoulder. Below it, on the right side is a blue cloth badge featuring a gold and red crown with text in a scroll that reads 'British Commonwealth Forces'. Each side of the collar features a metal caduceus badge, the symbol of a rod entwined by two snakes, topped by a pair of wings and crown. The jacket has a single vent in the centre back.

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