This amazing Denison smock was owned by Sgt Matthew Leighton-Hall who served as a glider pilot from 1942 through till 1944. It was purchased directly from the family who believe he was stationed in the Hastings area in the south of England. After the war this keen glider pilot went on to form a civilian gliding club in the Lakes area. It is believed he continued to wear the smock for sport flying. There are many interesting details to be found upon this smock, as with many glider pilots, Hall chose to affix a detachable collar that was originally part of a Sidcot flying suit. The collar has been attached by riveted ‘Bulldog’ buttons that could be purchased from any haberdashery of the time, he also added his glider pilot wings to the left chest. (Note the coloured strip of cloth on the left epaulette that identifies Halls subunit within the Glider Pilot Regiment.) This smock was featured in the Bruce Wilson publication ‘Denison’ in collaboration with the Airbourne Assault Museum & MM (Military Mode) publishing & was also for sale on eBay for £5k a few weeks back. #denisonsmock #vintagesmock #ww2 #1940s #denison #smock #camouflage #camo #vintagemenswear #vintagestyle #wwii #dday #gliderpilotregiment #parachuteregiment (at Hastings, East Sussex) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIY0JubjlnM/?igshid=1eu2zt6v07zen
