WWI SERVICES OF SUPPLY (S0S) BASE 5 UNIFORM GROUP

Uniform Grouping of a 2nd Lieutenant in the AEF Services of Supply (SOS), Brest Base Section number 5. Grouping includes two tunics; one made in Brest, France, a pair of trousers, officer's cap, officer's visor hat, canvas leggings, rare wool leggings, and gas mask & bag. The unmarked tunic features a theater made embroidered on felt SOS patch with a bullion embroidered arrow and "B5" designating that this officer was attached to the SOS Base Section Number 5 located at Brest. Also on this tunic are U.S. and quartermaster collar insignia, 2nd lieutenant's bars, and one bullion 6 months overseas stripe. The trousers are matching to this tunic. The overseas cap features buff piping as is correct for the Quartermasters Department. The other tunic is French made and has a "Novelty Brest" manufacturer's label and includes one 6 month bullion overseas stripe. 2nd lieutenant insignia, and U.S. and Quartermaster Department collar insignia. The bottom tunic button is missing. The gas mask is a size 3. Overall excellent condition with only a few minor moth nips. The Services of Supply (S. O. S.) was the support chain of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, England, Italy and the Netherlands during World War I. It was activated on July 5, 1917 and inactivated on August 31, 1919. Base Section Number 5 was established on November 27, 1917 with headquarters in Brest, France, comprised the French Department of Finistère. The section's ports were at Brest (the only deep water port available to the U.S.) and Cherbourg. The ports could handle over 6,000 tons daily and more than 30,000 troops in 12 hours. Through the port at Brest, Section Number 5 was the major path to repatriation for U.S. troops. On December 31, 1919, Base Section No 5 was discontinued as a port of embarkation.