Historical information
This jumper is part of a Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform issued by the Australian Airforce to Bernard Farley during service. This uniform type was used in base and field activities and was replaced in 2014 by the General Purpose Uniform as the uniform worn during general base duties and in non-warlike environments.This woolen jumper was presumably a winter addition to the DPCU.
Significance
This item has social significance, as an item of uniform worn by Warrnambool RSL community member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. The item is a representative example of previously standard issue Airforce uniform and is in excellent condition. As a set, the uniform has aesthetic significance in it’s design, incorporating the Disruptive Pattern style of camouflage which has its roots in the 1980s and continues to be adapted into uniform design by the Defence Force.
Physical description
Khaki ribbed knitted jumper with stitched Disruptive Pattern cotton elbow patches, rectangular in shape running the length of the forearm. Similar rectangular shaped patches on the left and right shoulder, bearing two epaulettes, stiched at one end and fastened with velcro and the other. The left upper arm carries a rectangular Disruptive Pattern patch with a seam down the centre, creating two long narrow pockets. Arm cuffs have external seam for approximately 100 mm from the end, indicating that the jumper may have been worn with cuffs folded over. Synthetic strip of green fabric on the interior collar behind a cream coloured label.
Inscriptions & markings
Label on interior of collar reads: “ELEGANT KNITTING CO./PENRITH, N.S.W. 1993/(047) 32 2491/8405-66-134-9381/SIZE 115cm-125cm XL (broad arrow)/SERVICE No........./NAME.........../“
Reverse of label carries a series of care instructions including “Fasten shoulder straps before/washing/ 80% Wool 20% Nylon”
