Significance
This item of military uniform was worn by Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Bernard Farley during his period of Full Time service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) between 27 January 1976 and 02 March 1997. Bernard joined the RAAF as an Airmen was trained and employed as a Clerk Supply (CLKSPL) between 1996 - 1977. He undertook officer cadet training at the Army Officer Cadet School in 1978 and was commissioned into the Ground Defence Category on the 09 December 1978, where he served for 18 years and rose to the rank of SQNLDR.
Physical description
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Working Dress (Jacket - Blue Grey). This uniform was in the period 1966 - 2001 as the primary daily uniform in the office environment. Polyester working dress is approved for wear employed in office or business type environments.
The short waist length jacket consists of a jacket has a lapel collar and zip front, with two external chest pockets and exposed pocket flaps,
There are portlets on each shoulder that are fastened with a black plastic button. This button has a crown over eagle in flight on the front. Rank slides are slid onto these portlets and this jacket has Squadron Leader rank slides on the portlets. is closed with four gold buttons down the front. Each button is inserted through a small round hole sewn into the right side of the tunic front and held in place at the rear with a safety pin. There are four corresponding button holes sewn into the left front of the tunic to fasten the jacket in the normal closed position when worn. The waist belt is part knitted on the sides and cloth on the front and rear.
There is also one interior pocket on the right side below the exterior breast pocket.
Inscriptions & markings
Maker: Australian Defence Industries
The Tunic has two military decorations attached above the exterior left chest pocket. The decoration are:
1. Conspicuous Service Medal - Yellow and Green right sloping diagonal strips
2.. Defence Service Medal (with one clasp) - Blue and Gold upright stripes and round metal clasp positioned centrally. The DSM is awarded for 15 years service and a clasp is awarded for each additional 5 years service.
