Original World War Two German Kriegsmarine White Drillich Work Jacket.
Drillich Work Jacket’s of Junior NCOs: White or grey work jackets were permitted for wear by junior NCOs of the engine personnel when on duty in the engine room. Drillich refers to a durable work fabric widely used by the German military, particularly during the Second World War. A German term describing the weave itself, it denotes HBT (Herringbone Twill) fabric. An order (MV 35, No.375) dated 16 October 1935 permitted wear of white work jackets for junior NCOs of the carpenter, mechanics, engine personnel and signals careers. Wear was allowed only when at work on ships and in work shops of barracks. For any other duties and also off duty, wear was prohibited. By order (OKMB.-Nr.23214 Cle, in OTB 38 No.305 - B.V.A. No.102 III dated 25 December 1936) dated 2 December 1938 wear of white work jackets was also granted to junior NCOs of administrative, clerical and medical careers to be worn only in offices, hospitals and sick rooms of ships and of barracks. The work jacket was never worn with a shirt or a jumper-type shirt. The two front panels (with lapels) and back panels of the jacket were joined by shoulder and side seams and a center back seam (with or without slash). The lower rim had a 1.5cm wide seam. The length reached for about 7cm below the crotch. The inside front edges were reinforced with a tape of basic cloth, with an additional tape inside the right edge to protect the split rings of the buttons. Five buttonholes were positioned 2cm from the left front edge, with the uppermost one in position of the base of the lapel, and the bottom one about 22cm above the lower rim of the jacket. Five corresponding eyelets were on the right front edge. The size III (sometimes size Il) anchor buttons were of the removable type. The collar was made of double-laid basic cloth with a light interior stiffening lining. Between collar and lapels was a horizontal incision. The sleeves had a front and back seam, and were with a 2cm seam at the cuff. Three pockets were of the patch type and without center pleats and flaps. The breast pocket on the left breast measured 14x14cm. Its horizontal opening was positioned about 1.5cm higher than the uppermost buttonhole, and with the front edge 9cm from the left front edge. The side pockets measured 18x18cm. Original owners name tag hand stitched into the collar “Helmut Hoppe”.
Flat garment measurements (inches):Chest: 36” (18” P2P)Length: 30”Sleeve: 25”
