Air travel jacket, sealed pattern, 1954

Britain's global military capability was reduced by Indian independence (1947), as it no longer had the Indian Army at its disposal. This manpower shortage was one of the main reasons for the introduction of National Service (1947-1963). By 1954 air transport of conscripts to Far Eastern outposts was increasingly common. The suit jacket was made of lightweight material and only half-lined to be more comfortable in the tropics.