Item 2022.36.4 - Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment Officer's Greatcoat

2022.36.4

Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment Officer's Greatcoat

Item

1

Calf length great coat in a heavy, woollen, khaki coloured fabric. Coat has a turn down collar and large lapels. Coat is double breasted and front fastening. Eight domed, gold buttons sit at the front of the coat, four on either side of the opening. These buttons display the regimental crest of the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment [a tiger surmounted by a Tudor rose]. Under these on the right side, there are two small, brown, plastic buttons which fasten through two corresponding, concealed tabs which are inside the left side of the jacket. There is a double hook and eye fastening at the collar. At either side of the waist there is a jetted pocket with a flap. Straps can be found at the shoulders, each fastened with a matching gold button. Each sleeve has a large, turn back cuff which is about 14cm in depth. At the reverse of the coat there is pleat which runs down the centre seam of the coat from the shoulder blades to the waist. There is a large dart on either side of the centre seam, from armpit level to just below the waist. Under this there is a vent, 64cm in length, that runs from thigh level to the hem and can be buttoned closed by a small, brown plastic button. A half belt is found at waist level on the back of the coat and is secured by three gold buttons that match the others on the coat. The coat is lined in a khaki serge fabric to just over 3/4 of the way down. On the left side at chest level, there is a vertical, jetted pocket which sits approximately 13cm in from the opening. Buttoned to the lining next to this is a triangular piece of fabric in an identical wool to the outer which can be buttoned to the collar of the jacket to act as a 'throat guard.'

Label: Moss Bros. & Co. Ltd / Covent Garden W.C. / Phone: Temple Bar 4477 / PORTCH / 2/46 / B7082 NEW
Materials: Wool
Measurements: 43cm [Chest]; 130cm [Length]
Details: Flap pockets; large cuffs
Physical Condition: Good

The half-belt on the back of coats and jackets [sometimes known as a martingale] originated on oversized military coats doubled as blankets. The belt was used to gather up the excess blanket material so that the item could be worn.

The throat guard [or latch] is an additional patch of fabric that can be buttoned across the front of the collar and collar stand as extra protection from the weather. When not in use, buttoned to the underneath of the collar or the inside of the coat to conceal it until it is needed.

Officer's greatcoat, dated 1946, of Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. Belonged to Major A.G. Burke MC and was donated to the Green Howards Museum.