Battledress "Royal Norfolk Regiment" – 3rd Infantry Division – Identified F. L. Early

Battle Dress manufactured by M. & H. Lederman Ltd. and dated 1944 and named to Private F. L. Early service number 6145832 - 1st Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment – 185th Infantry Brigade – 3rd British Infantry Division.

• Printed "ROYAL NORFOLK" regimental shoulder titles

• 3rd British Infantry Division formation signs

• Three horizontal red bars representing the 185th Infantry Brigade

• 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment distinguishing signs, consisting of a yellow rectangle with a vertical black stripe

The name "EARLY" is handwritten inside the blouse, linking it to F. L. Early, identified in British military records.

British military records (Forces War Records) identify Private F. L. Early, service number 6145832, who served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment.

The records indicate that he was wounded on 14 October 1944, while serving in North-West Europe during the Second World War.

His wounding is recorded in Casualty List No. 1591, with an incident reporting date of 31 October 1944.

The 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, part of the 185th Infantry Brigade, 3rd British Infantry Division, landed on Sword Beach at 9:50 a.m. on 6 June 1944 (D-Day).

Following the landings, the battalion was involved in heavy fighting during the advance towards Caen, particularly in the Lébisey area.

It subsequently took part in Operation Charnwood, launched on 8 July 1944, which resulted in the liberation of northern Caen.

After the Normandy campaign, the battalion continued its advance through North-West Europe into the Netherlands.

In October 1944, it participated in Operation Constellation, a difficult British offensive aimed at capturing the Overloon area and advancing towards Venray.

It was during this operation that Private F. L. Early, service number 6145832, was wounded on 14 October 1944, while his battalion was engaged in fierce fighting south of Overloon.

The Battle Dress remains in very good overall condition, showing minor signs of wear and storage.

Measurements:

• Shoulder width: 42 cm (16.54 inches)

• Sleeve length: 63 cm (24.80 inches)

• Overall length: 57 cm (22.44 inches)