Royal East Kent 1912 Mess Jacket
A scarlet wool The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) mess jacket with buff facings, red lapels and white piping. Second Lieutenant's rank. A single metal collar badge, Mounted Buff's buttons. 

Named to C M B Chapman MC, Served with The Buffs (from 1913) and 22, 24 and 29 Sqn Royal Flying Corps (from 1915). Died of wounds 1/10/1917 in Belgium aged 25.

Wikipedia article here.

Further info here

Army & RFC service records available via Kew National Archive.

Date:         1912

Sizes:       Jacket approx 35/36" chest. Actual measurements are:

Chest Width (laid flat):        19"

Shoulder:                            16"

Waist (width, laid flat):         n/a, worn open.

Length:                                21"

Sleeve:                                23.5"

Condition:    Very reasonable condition. A moth hole approx 15mm x 8mm on one cuff (see photo). Several (perhaps a dozen or so) pin-hole sized holes elsewhere and several surface moth nips/tracing but nothing particularly detracting. Clean (no noticeable marks/stains). Gilt is wearing off the buttons.

SKU:             A1575