Looks like a consensus - the flaps are useless in boxers. Perhaps they serve some form of expansion function (like a reverse crumple zone?) Maybe they are there to absorb extra pee for when you get lazy and don't quite shake enough.
I wonder if briefs, if they existed back then, were different during WWII. They had, for some items, a rationing regulation that clothing manufacturers could not apply fabric over fabric (e.g. sew on pockets...) Sounds like my next quest for useless information.
Thanks to all who replied.
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