First World War British army leather jerkin

Date made: 1916

Maker: unknown

Description: Leather jerkins such as this were standard issue to British soldiers in cold weather, being preferable to a greatcoat in that they left the arms free for movement. When worn by officers, they would also make them appear less distinct from their men, and less of a target for snipers. This example was worn by a Manx officer, Second Lieutenant Roy Corlett of Douglas. Corlett was wounded and taken prisoner of war during the Battle of the Somme, in November 1916. As the weather that day would have been cold, there is a strong possibility that he was wearing this garment at the time.

Materials: leather

Object name: jerkin

Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection

ID Number: 2012-0095

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