Navy blue girl's sailor jacket, made in England in the 1920s

This girl's sailor jacket is in a 'Reefer' style, with gilt gilt buttons down the front of the jacket and on the cuffs. The jacket is double breasted, and made of navy serges. The jacket has a cotton lining of a similar colour to the external panels of the jacket, and the company name and logo is on a label, stitched into the inside of the coat. A pink ribbon, presumably to indicate size, is stitched into the shoulder. There is a small tear in the left breast of the jacket, just above the pocket. It also has two buttons missing from the front of the jacket.

Given by John Renner

This jacket was worn by the donor's great grandfather.

Martin Renner was born in London in 1920. He was one of three children born to Martin and Sophie Renner. He went to school at Summerfield St. Leonard's and then to Eton College. He wanted to go to university, but these plans were interupted by WWII. He joined the 17th/21st Lancersand was awarded the military cross for valour in 1943. Afer the war he made a career in insurance, working for Lloyds of London. He lived in Hampshire until his death in 1992.

This girl's military jacket was bought in around 1928 from Rowe & Co. in Gosport. It is an example of a 'reefer' jacket, is double-breasted, and is largely in good condition. It is made from navy serge, and has a satin lining of a slightly darker shade. It has gilt buttons on the front and on the cuffs, though one is missing. Despite being a girl's jacket, it was worn by a boy in the late 1920s, who went on to serve in the military during World War Two where he was given the military cross for valour.

B. 387-2012