This is not a Nazi uniform, war vets are told

AN ANTIQUES store came under fire from war veterans this week amid claims it was displaying a so-called "Nazi" uniform in its window.

Royal British Legion members complained when they saw what they thought was a Hitler Youth uniform in the window of the Sellitall store, owned by businessman Kevin Cosgrove, on Blackburn Road, Accrington.

The uniform, which went on sale for £1,850, was described by several people as being unsuitable for display in the town.

But the controversy took a surprise turn when staff revealed that the uniform was in fact a fireman's uniform from the Second World War.

The mistake is believed to have arisen after badges were added to the costume which caused people to mistakenly identify it as a Hitler Youth uniform.

Mr Cosgrove said: "The uniform has been on display in the shop for about six months and we have never had any complaints about it.

"Militaria is a large part of the antiques market and every two weeks there are events across the country in which re-enactors put on shows, dressing up in all kinds of uniforms, some of them costing thousands of pounds.

"These shows are free and attended by thousands of people.

"They could hardly take place unless the Nazis had proper German uniforms.

"Anyone who has seen these volunteer actors will know they are a joy to watch.

"But in this case it seems people have jumped on the bandwagon without even entering the store.

"If they did, they would see lots of uniforms for the re-enactors and also signs that say all our guns are de-activated antiques with certificates.

"We do not sell replicas which should be banned along with air guns.

"Militaria is a small part of our huge stock of antiques and there was no intention to offend with the uniform.

"Although everything we do is legal, this particular uniform has now been withdrawn from view."

The Hitler Youth was a paramilitary organisation set up in Germany under Hitler in the 1930s and was designed to recruit youngsters for the Nazi party.

Sellitall has a number of World War Two items on display including Nazi flags and pictures of Hitler.

Roy Lockwood of the East Lancashire branch of the Royal British Legion said: "A number of members thought it was a Hitler Youth uniform and they were asking what the Accrington Pals would say if they were around today and saw it in the window. They just thought it was in bad taste."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "Perhaps the fact that people were appalled when they thought it was a Hitler Youth uniform is a good thing as it shows our disgust at what it stands for."