WORLD | WAR II INFANTRY IN INFA NTRY g ® > a aig Laurent MIROUZE B EUROPA | MILITARIA N° 2WORLD WAR II INFANTRY IN COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS LAURENT MIROUZE Windrow & Greene LondonPOLISH INFANTRYMAN, SEPTEMBER 1939 CAMPAIGN A the end of World War I Poland regained her independence as a so’ state Her first army was made up of many contingents oiginally equipped and armed by the different belligerent nations of 1914-18. At the beginning of the 1930s the army's first efforts at uniformity overtaken by a radical new issue of uniforms, equipment and e after wide-ranging trials. The new khaki uniforms were notably modern in des and the personal equipment was partly derived from the current equivalents service with the German army. Despite the forward-looking design of much of their equipment, however, 39 Polish infantry divisions were unable to resist for long the German st which smashed through Poland’s borders in September 1939. After three weeks their resistance — partly sabotaged by Russia’s treacherous agreement partition Poland with Germany - was beaten down. However, more thas quarter of a million Polish fighting men would escape to continue the alongside the Allies on other fronts. 111931 helmet, in nickel-chrome-molybdenum banker, and sometimes a tent section, steel, painted in a kNaki shade, with powdered cork the sides, and the aluminium mess tin ‘added'to the paint while wet to produce aml finsh, pattern strapped to the flap. The tent Sects he shade was known as salamander. The leather Sometimes eareied inside the pack, with a cbaage interior harsess of this, one of the most modem underclothes, shirt and socks, laces, He helmet designs of the petiod, was desived from that of cle shed German M1916, ith small jae pads to alter the ft 8M1932. gosmask in its khaki Canvas sats some troops stil carried the French ARS 1nask. 2—The M1936 tunic was of 2 single cut for all the Polish type was in the process of replacing = ranks, and ofa khaki shade described as grey-brown- outbreak of war. green ‘The seven front buttons bore the 1927 9 a4037 crousers, of the same khaki shade 2 ‘crowned eagle national emblem. Rank insignia and ‘ ea thi chest were wom on te hour saps the "We conned athe Ake by stot putes collar bore patches in branch-of-serviee colours, with _10—M1934 boots in nacural tan leather: regula the ttaditional Polish zig-zag edging, On campaign of 1935 had prescribed that these should ‘only the insignia of rank were retained, blacked, but many were still in their natural fins etme Of he oblate of 88S Uae 3-M1936 belt, in tan leather with a single-prong fie ime OF Me Hine buchia the sme fr al brnches, ‘Stove ons faer heh soot ana hus pve ge 4Two ‘ple, cartridge Pouches in tan leather, protection against damp. modeievontiebcmar fons tacigs Eescm, Proteion sei Comp saatet held three ive round cfips of 7.9mm ammunition, classe German 98k. Of 7.9mm calibre, t Was giving a total of 90 rounds. factured in government factories at’ Warsaw 5 Entenching tool in can later carer, wo Radon angered nreslaped oan hgh nas static (he euhce Most ones fiog, te Wehmocht arte Posh een ce eect ics Opes oleae es wine tone ed os wise 6-Havernack M193 in proofed khaki canvas costs to aried ether sung sound tne boy he Hane sc oRaceu To the sds Pie et Heese nae: sellers wala ian a tiene cmentensy rao ahaa ma 7—M1932 kitapsack, of heavy canvas, its shoulder suas ned tobe end pues atte hon Cee eee car eit pent15 GERMAN INFANTRYMAN, FRENCH CAMPAIGN, MAY-JUNE 1940 Tis snpearanee of the German solder in the French campaign represented a late Stage in the evolution of the field grey uniform which first appeared in 1907. Since the organisation of the Reichsheer in 1919 the nniform had been identical for all German states; and the colour remained field grey. A new design appeared in 1935, together with a new helmet, but the cut did not differ greatly from previous models. The personal equipment, 100, while brought up 10 date. showed a clear line of development from the items issued during the Great Wa In accordance with Hilter’s wishes the smartness of the uniform was enhanced by the adoption of a richly varied system of emblems, badges and other distinctions. In May-June 1940 the ‘Landser’ of the German Wehrmacht was a formidable infantryman, well armed and equipped, and provided with the means of transport which made possible the fast-moving ‘Blitzkrieg’ warfare which gained Germany her first great victories. 1M1935 fhelmet; of 1.2mm thick steel, ie was painted matt slate grey. The M191 lining comprised leather segmenis mounfed on an adjustable ring. Ori- Binally the standard army helmet bore two insignia ‘ecals: a ticolour shield in slanted stripes of he national colours (Black, white, red), and a silver-erey cagle on a black shield. From May 1940 the new si: Brey paint finish was supposed t0 be applied over the {njcolour shield for better concealment, and oaly the eagle decal is illustrated here (although the trieolou Shield did survive in many cases). 2-M1933 cotton collar, attached to the inside of the tunic collar by five butions. Twas reversible, white ‘on one side and green on the other, the former being ‘exposed with walking-out uniform dnd the tater with fcainpaign dress. By regulation, a centimetre's depth Was supposed to show above the tunic. 3-Removable shoulder straps, the exammplesillus trated being of the type made in the period 1938-10. (Of dark green cloth with a piping in the branch-of- servige colour (white for the intamtey), they bore the regimental cipher iu the pre-war period. Alter the ‘outbreak of War the eiphers were either covered by & cloth loop, or omitted during manufacture, Jor obvious reasons of securiy. 4--MI935 fl grey tn, fasteing wit ve tons, and provided wit four pleated poche fastened Sy bationed Maps, The collar of dark lush green, Bore to lace’ patches. their design being implied foun of wads Prassan collar laces The dig ‘was common to all branhcs except for (wo nate tEnathofbranchcolour le: Defoe th noduction fol the MID39 leather equipment suspense te nie fad nterioe fare suspendere Hake to sll hooks protniding hrougheyeotsin che tht hep support fhe weight af the belt; Abowe the ight roast poke ‘scscea ie anal amblem fang cating Sreathed swastika, Rank chetrons dealing jam NCOs" here thoxe of soniorcorpral- wer seen tothe lt sleeve oa. S—Oileloth satchel, attached to the gasmask sling ‘containing a chemicaly-trested anti gas 6—M1933 cartridge pouiches, in to sets of three, leach set containing Six five round clips of 782mm ‘Mauser cartridges. The pouches were of black leather with a‘peboed nish 7—Gasmask canister M1930, in uted metal painted grey-green, Itcontains afsbric gasmask with a Serew-on metal filter 8—Black leather bayonet frog, with MI88498 Mauser bayonet. 9Bntrenching toot in artieiat leather carscr whose stap both holds the head of the tool and onfines the Bayonet scabbard to stop it lapping 10-MIOB1 tent sostionshelter half. This 'Zelt ban’. of proofed cotton cloth with a thrce-colour camouiage patcrn on both sides, i roughly wang Jars ithas a Central sit, and can be wora as 4 poneho, Or buttoned 1 others fo make a campaign tent M—MI931 “breadbag® haversack in olive fabric ‘normal coutoons inched washing kit, weapou clean ing Kit, emergency rations. eating wensils, eld cap, oe 12—MU9T1 mess tin, sreygreen, 13—The M1931 water bottle, wilh & Zapacity of roughly 1 pins, is covered with fe fabri, sd has a back-paimed alumina exp tixed over the neck. 14—Stone-grey’ trousers: these had two slash side pookets cloned By but right rear pocket and {ine small fo pocket the ht trot 38 Disa lather marching boots. V6 —Magser 954 sie, 192mm calibre WM hand senate, fF abumrinieim paintedFRENCH INFANTRYMAN, FRENCH CAMPAIGN, MAY-JUNE 1940 Wier the French army was mobilised in September 1939, the men ofthe infantry could have walked out of a 1918 photograph, with the sole major difference of wearing khaki rather than horizon blue. The image of the victor of the Great War, familias from a thousand bronze war memorials, seemed stamped into the military mentality. The eq ment of the infantryman, which had been criticised sine the turn of the century, had certainly been the subject of a number of detail reforms: M1935 equipment with a knapsack of soft canvas rather than rigidly framed mate I; MAS36 rifle; M1938 uniform. But although these innovations had been partially introduced by the spring of 1940; the French foot- slogger still faced the light, mobile German infantry weighed down by a heavy greatcoat recalling the Franco- Prussian War, and an overweight and over-complex harness. Greer AS, eh eee cu eee ct 7—M1935 hayersack, normally containing mess Lins and mug, cating utensils, daily rations, and spare lanimonition for the section light machine gun B—Upper knapsack M1995, containing reserve rations, washing and mending kit, pullover, blanket, Field cap, ete.; the side pockets could accommodate Tight machine gun magazines. A lower knapsack M1935 potilustrated here —could be attached below this upper pack, and earried spare clothing 9—The tent section M1935. square in shape, had a central slit allowing it to be worm as 4 poncho. Y®—Enwtenching tool, here the MI9I6 shovel, in the MI035 ieuher carrie. ALANP3I gasmask in ts carrying satchel ike the fh model, st bad a tube connecting the mask to a Titer which remained in thesatchet when he mask Was put on. Mts: frowsers the soul panuton go. ‘contemporary fashion, but were fess tthe Hid, abd tore easily. In 1940 about hall the infantay stil had the M1920035 "panca Ton culoue’ fastened atthe kn. 13_Purices; although laced gaiters were put into sin 1940, few reached the troops before the Armistice 14 Hoboaied MI9I7 ankle boots. 151907/15 MIG “Berthier’ ile, in 8mm Lebel calibre, Nicknamed ishing rou” because ofits eng ‘his old weapon still equipped the majority of the infantey in 1940, alongside the M16 carbine derived fom it- The long cuciforma bayonet was carried on the Fett side ofthe belt, and ig hidden hereby the tarnback ofthe arestcoat Francois VawsillierSCOTTISH INFANTRYMAN, FRANCE, FEBRUARY 1940 Tis solr of the Argyl and Suibertand Highlanders, who disembarked in France in January 1940 during the freezing but relatively inactive winter of the “Phoney War’, differs little in general appearance from his predecessors of 1918. Despite the introduction of new items of uniform and equipment from 193) onwards, the traditional ‘tribal items’ of the Highland soldier are still repre- sented. After the arrival of the British Expeditionary Force in France, orders were issued banning the future issue of the kilt to troops going overseas; but photographs show that the ‘Jocks’ clung to their traditional garment for a while, despite its unsuitability for modern warfare The Sist Highland Division suffered terrible losses in the course of the bitter fighting retreat to the Channel. The 7th Argylls were almost wiped out, and the survivors finally went into captivity after a heroic last stand near St, Valéry-en- Caux, 1—Balmoral bonnet in khaki serge, with the rex mental badge pinned throngh a patch of tartan on the lett side ‘2Battledress blouse. The original model, as here, had all buttons concealed by flies except for those of the shoulder strap. Regulations forbidding the display of insignia in the feld were at his time _geneealy obeyed, although no! universally, The use of ‘an improvised seart way appear unconvincing, but at east one photograph of Highlanders taken at this time confirms it; the khaki faonel shit Was collariess, and the neck of the rongh serge blouse chafed the skin. 3—Sicet helmet Mk. IT, painted semi-matt green or fprovn, The sprung fabric and webbing chinsirap and the interior harness. were obviously ditlerent from those of the Great War Mk.T: the shape Was less obviously mediffed, the brim being flaver and the skull eireuar rather thau OvO%d, 4 Sinall box respirator’ oF gasmask, here in the ‘leer position, stung on the chest by a neck stinp and held steady by a cord sound the chest, The rubber and fabric mask was attached by a vorrugaced rubber tab to the box filter. which remained in its pocket inside the satchel when the mask was put on. M1937 persoual equipmeut in cotton werbing The diflereut items were all linked, in an attempt to spread their weight. Supported by oth the belt and the shoulder suspenders are pair of “basic pouches each could accommodate either a folded cotton ban: dolicr of 30 roids forthe .303in. elle and a couple of band grenades, of (80 magirines for the sechon's Bren light machine gun, of two bombs for the pla toon's Yin. mortar ‘The entrenching, (ool head was ccrtied in @ Webbing pouch, to which the woos haft ras buckled, attacked below the belt atthe rear. The Felt-covered enamelled water bottle also buckled to the ends of the shoulder suspenders, carried down through buckles on the belt. A havezsuck or “sill pack" could be atached either Behind the shoulders fr to the ends of the shoulder suspenders om the left tip. 6K — for the Argyll in “42nd (Government)’ sett” and drabtoth campaign cover. By the hatiles of fate spring most AU 20 all Highlanders in Maj. Gen. Fortune's Sist Division hed substituted the rousers of the Battledcess uniform, Sporraas were not worn T—Bayonet No.l Mk.I; th ‘was appliod to the basically id Carried since before the Great War. 8—"Hose tops’ ~ footless stockings worn in addi- tion to the isshe ankle socks by halted units, the tumned-clown tops traditionally decorated with garler- flashes in regimental eoloucs. 1ew somenclatyre al sword bayonet 9—-Anklots web’, of webbing with internal leather feinforcement and fastened by 10 buckled straps, which replaced the old putiees with the introduction Of the 1957 uniform aud equipment 10~"Aromunition boots’, suedily made in pebble Soish blackened leather, and heavily hob-oaited. Rifle No.1 MA.IH*, the Short Magazine Lec Enileld Of -303in. ealibre used by the British infantry. san singe the Great War. This boll-action weapon, with a removable maguzine holding ten rounds, was robust, reliable, expeusively made, and m the hauds a rained mau was capable of accurate and surpris: fugly rap fire Philippe CharbonnierBELGIAN INFANTRYMAN, MAY-JUNE 1940 [ryJ05 jhe Belgian army adapted ise, fr better or worse, to trench warfare; scarding its old coloured uniforms for a less conspicuous khaki outfit supplied from British sources. With the adoption of the Adrian helmet the Belgian soldier, who also wore a greatcoat with turned-back skirts, acquired a very French appearance, which had changed little by 1940. The new uniform adopted in 1935 displayed only slight modifications of the Great War version. ‘The personal equipment, introduced shortly after the Great War, followed the general outlines of the German equivalent: tiple ammunition’ pouches, an dividual haversack, slung water bottle, etc. At the time of Belgian mobilisation some troops were issued with the M1915 Mills equipment. Like his French comrade, the Belgian infantryman faced the fast-moving Wehrmacht in an outfit too heavy and cumbrous for modern warfare. MIS3I helmet in_ manganese khaki ~ an almost exact copy of dhe French M1926, apart from the more horizontal angle of the brim at ‘Front and back, and the black leather imtesnal harness. ‘The front bore the ion-hcad emblem of the Beleian army Tor all branches of service 2Khaki M1935 greatcoat, with (40 104s of fve large buttons bearing the lion eviee. It had two side pockets with straight buttoned flaps, and wo vertical Fear pockets below the half-belt. ‘The skirts had a Centeal rear vent; in marching order, asillstrated, the Fronts were buttoned back 10 (ree the legs, The gre- ‘nade insignia on the collar identify a regiment of ‘Grenadicrs, and the shoulder straps bear the regimen tal cipher below a small grenade, The cunie was worn under the grcateoat in the Belgian army. painted 3—Cotton collar, giving some protection against ‘the chafing of the heavy coat cloth 4Tan Jeather belt with adjustable buckle; perso- ‘nal variations were not uncommon. &Tan leather ammunition pouches, copied fom German models, each of the tree pockets holding, fire feezoud clips, ping Teal capacity of 6—M1930 knapsack, made of s heavy Tight khaki Tabric on 3 bamboo Irame. with leather shoulder straps and webbing stowage straps. Four loops on the fap allowed the attachment of the mess tin as illu: trated, straps on the sides secured the roied blanket and spare boots 7—Mess tin of khaki-painted aluoinium, with toops allowing it to be strapped (9 the equipment. S—Haversick, copied from the German “bread ‘bop’, with externa? filings for one of twa water bot tles: of heavy cloth, it could be carried slung around the body on'a strap. It contained rations aud some spare clothing 9—Aluminium water boule covered in khaki cloth, with cork stopper. A leather sieap sewa tothe covet allowed it to be attached to the haversack 10—New model gasmask, carried in slung satchel Like the British model, the rubber face mask was attached by a Wube tothe filer carried permanently in the satetel M—Entrenching too! in tan leather belt-carrier; there were several models, often with a strap holding, the bayonet scabbard to the tool in the’ German ashi 12—Tan leather bayonet frog; and MI916V35 bayo: net, its hilt secured by astrap, 1B—MIO35 khaki trousers, straight-cut, with Iwo, slanting side pockets anda right rear pocket, The Trousers were Supported by briees. M—Black leather gaiters, laced up the front by means of seven metal hooks. 15Blackened leather boots, 16-—M35 Mauser rifle of 7.65en calibse ~ as in ‘many smaller armies ot the period, wationaly manus factured version of the German issue fflITALIAN ALPINE INFANTRYMAN, FRANCE, JUNE 1940 ‘en NN a [2240 si of the Kalian army's 73 divisions were classed as “Alpine’. The formation of these special troops was a natural response to Italy’s rugged terrain, and particularly to the fact that her northern frontier passes through some of the greatest mountain massifs in Europe ‘The uniform of these ‘Alpini differed little from that of the ordinary infantry except in their special headgear and insignia; they also received specialised equipment in the form of nailed boots, a Tyrolian-style pack, the alpenstock, climbing ropes and crampons, etc. Considered as crack troops, the Alpini were sent against France’s Chasseurs Alpins during Mussolini's pointless campaign of 10-25 June 1940 —a stab in the back of a country already locked in desperate battle against the German invaders, and a campaign which produced meagre results due to inadequate leadership and logistics. 1—The felt Alpine hat, introduced into the army in 1910 and sill in use today. As the jaunty trademark of the Alpini, i was only with reluctance laid aside for steel helmet in combat. The black crow's feather was ‘xed by a pompen ia hatialion colour; white forthe Ist Bn. in each regiment, red for the 2nd, green for the 3rd and blue for the 4th, The badge on the front, embroidered in black thread on grey-ereen cloth, consisted of a flying eagle over a bugie-horn and crossed rifles. In the curl of the buglechorn the regi- ‘mental sumber Was displayed ~ here, the 3rd. 2-M1939 shirt, in grey-green flannel or lighter material according to the season, and universal issue throughout the army. Ithad two breast pockets, and a ‘wo-button front vent down {0 mid-chest level. Tt was often worn with a tie, normally grey-green but of sifferent colours in some usits 3.-MI940 tunic, in the grey-green adopted for lalian army uniforms in 1909. This four-pocket, open: collar design was common to most branches of service: rote the integral cloth belt with two buttons. Junior NCOs’ sleeve rank insignia were embrosdered in red fon a grey-green ground ~ here, the chevrons of a corporal, Branch-of-service collar patches were in distinctive colours, and shaped as two oF three-point ‘flames'~here, the green ef mountain troops, with the white metal star of Savoy which appeared on all Taian army collar patches, 4 M1891 belt of grey-green leather its single prong buckle worn at one side to permit the wearing of the ammunition pouches centrally atthe front 5_MI907 double cartridge pouch in grey-green leather, each pocket holding four clips of 6.5mm ammunition for the Carcano rifle. The weight was partly supported by the MIS3) Suspender, which passed round the neck. {6—M41939 mountain troops’ pack, in heavy fabric. ‘This capacious pack has two large exterior pockets, and five fabric straps allow the stowage of a greatcoat, a blanket, and/or a fent section in camouftage mater iat, This very popular pack was also issued to some ordinary infantry Tormations, 7—Grey-green single-breasted greatenat, elled and stowed around the pack in regulation fashion 8 Climbing rope. 9M1933 steel helmet, painted grey-green, bea ing the stenciled badge of the Alpini and the regimen {al number. This helmet was sometimes seen with @ Fisting on the side allowing the attachment of the Alpine teoops traditional pompon and fear glume. 10—Water bottle, in aluminium covered with srey- green dloth; it was issued in oneltre (1% pint) and {wo-litee (34 pint) sizes, the larger type being ilus- trated here {Bayonet ftog,and M189] entrenching tool car sier, here containing a combination pick/shovel. 12—Model 135 gasmask, carried in a cylindrical cloth bag, the size being marked in Reman numerals fon the auiside of the bag. 13Ash-wood M1934 alpenstock. 14—M1940 grey-green trousers, inthe full, straight, ankle-length cut issued to Alpine troops, 15—Standaed puttees, 16—MI912 mountain boots, with special nails for sliowbing 17—M1891 Carcano rifle in 6.Smm calibreGERMAN INFANTRYMAN, LIBYAN CAMPAIGN, FEBRUARY 1941 Rsspensing o the appeals of his Italian allies, repeatedly and expensively defeated by far smaller British forces in North Africa, Hitler assembled and despatched a Wehrmacht expeditionary corps, which disembarked at Tripoli in February 1941, The German army’s experience of tropical campaigning was Jimited to minor colonial operations long before, and they faced the task of preparing ‘from scratch’ for a new and challenging theatre of operations. Responsibility for designing a new uniform was given to the Hamburg Tropical Institute. Under pressure of time, the Institute supposedly chose to take the British army in India as its model; but if so, the wrong lessons were drawn. The uniform worn by the Afrika Korps in. their first battles consisted of a sun helmet; a cotton tunic, cut rather too snugly for comfort; and half-breeches resembling jodhpurs. This outfit was quickly modified in the light of desert experience, and more loose-fitting and practical alternatives were found. 1—M1940 tropical helmet in cork covered with olive cloth. A painted metal shield was pinned to each side, echoing the decals of the steel helmet: on the Fight, the national colow in slanting stripes, and on the left the eagle and swastika emblem of the Heer (army), 2—Tropical shit in olive cotton, with a four-but- ton front and two large breast pockets. 3Tie in olive cotton ~ hardly ever seen in the froat line. 4-Removable shoulder straps, made in the same cloth as the uniform, with the usual "Wa/fenfarbe' — branch-of- service colour piping round the edge. Rose pink idemiies armoured units, including some motor- Ised anti-tank troops within the Pances divisions, ‘5—MI940 tropical tunic in olive cotton; the four pockets resembled those of the woollen European Uniform. The collar ‘lace followed the design of that fon the European uniform, but in dull blue and brawn, with no variation between branches of service. The national eagle above the right breast was also in blue fon brown. The left breast bears the bronze ‘assault badge’ awarded io participants in at least three actions; at this stage the motorised troops and armour crews of the Panzer divisions shared the same design. {6 Shoulder suspenders for infantry equipmsat,in olive cotton webbing apart from a reinforcement of leather at the point of junction high on the back. Various hooks ‘and rings allowed the braces 10 be attached to the ansmunition pouches and belt, and the Attachment of the assault equipment to the harness bbchind the shoulders. 7-Standard issue ammunition pouches. 8 Olive webbing version ofthe standard bayonet frog 9M1884/98 Mauser bayonet. 10—Olive webbing belt, with a standard buckle plate painted olive I—Entrenching tool, here in standard issue black ther carrier, 12—Webbing frame, whose stowage straps allowed the attachment of various combinations of assault ‘equipment, Here the M1931 mess tin is carried atone the rolled M1931 camoullaged Zeltbahn, and a cloth ‘bag containing a sweater, rations, tent pegs, and rifle cleaning kit 13—M1931 "breadbsa’. Apart {rom the normal con tents, it would here contain the olive cotton tropical field Service cap, inspired by the ype then worn by the German mountain tops. 14—Tropical water bottle, made of aluminium covered with cnmpound of vuleanised fibre’ and ‘wood, which gave better insulation fsom the climates for the same reason the cup fisted over the neck aS made of bakelite 15_M1940 olive cotton tropical trousers, laced at the calf; they have two slanted slash side pockets and a front fobs pocket 16—High laced leather and canvas tropical boots; this old-fashioned design was soon generally aban: doned in favour of ankle boots of the same materials ¥7—Mauser 98k rifle, 792mm calibre.BRITISH INFANTRYMAN, NORTH AFRICA, SPRING 1942 eee his NCO of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division represents an 8th Army soldier at the time of Rommel’s May/June offensive against the Gazala Line. Although lightened, his equipment is made up from the same range of items as worn in the other main theatres of operations. His clothing owes much to pre-war Indian experience, where the normal campaign dress was khaki drill shorts, the old ‘greyback’ shirt, and a khaki sweater for the cool nights. During the 1930s the ‘greyback’ was replaced by a khaki Aertex shirt of similar colour to the KD shorts This uniform — or Battledress, in cold weather, which was far from unknown in North Africa ~ was worn throughout the African campaign. IME It sel helmet painted sand-colour, 2—Aenex cotton shitt, made of an open-weave material for coolness, Cut Jong, it had wo pleated breast pockets, and a four-button pullover front, It was always worn open atthe neck. Because shirts were. washed as often as practical, insignia were not perma: ‘ently attached. Chevrons of rank ~in standard form, ‘Ff of simple white tape ~ were temporarily attached either with pressstuds or hooks and eyes, and oftea 10 the right sleeve only. The divisional sign of the S0th Division ~ 10 Ts for "Tyne" and “Tees, crossed 10 form a rough H shape for "Humber" ~ is warn on 2 removable shoulder strap slide. 31957 paticin webbing equipments in. North Arca i at sorbed, and length exposure to the Sun could bleach i almost white. The combination ilstratod was for personnel no sued with he le Drligt machine gem the suspenders astth irc 19 the bel by means of bras and webling connectors, ‘The water bottle & worn Behind. Our NCO has arranged his equipment io personal taste 44028 Thompson submachine aun, with S0- round dram mmagurine Ordered in large quantities fom the USA in Ti, fs the andar sab machine gun until the general issue of the Tighter, Chane and ude Sen uy and wa st scen fee tysth Armiy units in tals quite fate ie the war, since Atghusny 48 calioe ound and preater clit) were Preferred. No item of the 1937 webbing equipment fas designed to carry the tage drum magazines, Which were later generally discarded i favour ofthe box magazine which Rted into the basic pouch. This NCO) has slung is small packor haversack to ety {he drums. Hs eglation position i ighting order wos sling by shouller straps high ow the backs normal Contents inclused the mess tins and eating utensils, Saving dicing inate, tos and offically, though sekfon in practice = the water bottle. * a " S—Enfield No. 2 Mk.l iu, revolver, This was foot normally cartied by junior ranks of infant. except for medium machi gun crews. This NCO, commanding » section of ten men. is far [rom alone in having "scrounged’ one as a secondary weapon of last resort, He hus fitted the {937 pattern webbing holster to the Bottom of the pistol cartridge pouch, and the pouch to the belt: the regalation arrangement was to Fe the pouch on the left suspender, above the holst wanted on the belt. butt forwards, The pistol was Fetained by a neck lanyard. 6—'Shorts KD". cut very full. The waist was adjusted by tWo cotton straps and patent buckles. The pocket on the front held the “fist eld dressing ‘Long socks or hose tops’ gave some protection {rom sun, dust and es. '8Short putices and “ankles web” were both 0 be seen inthe ranks ol Sth Army; they gave some support tomeankle, and prevented sind getting dowa into the le boot (in theory). 9Standasd issue hobnsited “ammunition boots Philippe CharbonnierITALIAN INFANTRYMAN, WESTERN DESERT, 1942 1 eS taly’s entry into the war in June 1940 was a gamble. Mussolini was aware of his country’s lack of readiness for war against modern European enemies; but he feared that Italy would be left out of the division of spoils if Germany won a quick and easy victory, as then seemed likely. Early moves against British colonies in East Africa and threatening manoeuvres on the Libyan/Egyptian border were accompanied by an invasion of Greece. In all these campaigns large but ill- prepared Italian armies suffered almost immediate and costly set-backs at the hands of smaller enemy forces. Catastrophic reverses in Greece and North Africa forced Germany to come to her ally’s aid. Large Italian forces continued to fight alongside the Afrika Korps throughout 1941-43; relatively short of transport and effective armour and air support, they generally provided the infantry mass, while Rommel’s modern and highly mobile German divisions provided the ‘punch’. The Axis defeat in North Africa in spring 1943, followed by the Allied invasion of Sicily, led to the overthrow of the Fascist government and Italy’s conclusion of a unilateral armistice with the Allies in September 1943, coinciding with the Allies’ invasion landings on the mainland. 1-M1935 colonial helmet as worn by NCOs and 10Knapsack, stowed with the standard grey troops. Itbears the brass frontal badge of the infanty green greatcoat and with a khaki version of the tent superimposed on a coekade in the national colours of Section. This latter was less frequently seen than the 20 Fediwhite/green, 2-Latesmodel desert gogales. 3The colonial tunic oF bushsjacker called the ‘sarariana’, wos guie widely as ar alternative to the fightweight’ Khaki model of the woollen MI940 uniform. Its identifable by the single falling collar, and. by the caped effect on the chest, The collar Patches ate those of the “Bologna’ Division, compris: Ing the 39th ane 40th Infantry and 205th Artillery Regiments, which fought at Alamein under XXU Tia: lian Comps. 4 The trousers, in the same light khaki cloth as the jacket, were of ihe same cut a8 the MLO40 Euro- san uniform. They were gathered below the knee by Ices, and confined by putiees, as often as not of European grey-freen uniform cloth M1912 natural leather hobnailed boots, {6—M1007 double cartridge pouches in grey-green leather, each pocket holding four eips of 6.5mm rounds for the Careano MI891/38 rifle or earbine. The ouch rig was standard issue on all fronts where Italian Infantry fought, despite its inconvenience when the soldier had to lie down behind cover. 7—MI891 bayonet in metal seaboard, carried ina srey-groen leather Irog. 8735 gasmask in its carrer 9—Water bottle of standard pattern, in aluminium covered with grey-treen cloth, on an adjustable sling. ‘The mouthpiece has a valve which allows a thin trickle of water tobe released ~ theoretically, an ai to water economy in the field, hough one may doubt that it had ‘much practical effec in the hands of troops, M1929 camouflaged model. M—MIS891 Catcano rife ia 6.5mm calibre Franco MesturiniFRENCH FOREIGN LEGION INFANTRYMAN, WESTERN DESERT, 1942 Ate time of the French Armistice in ne 1940 several thousand French soldiers and sailors found themselves on British soil, Notable among these were the troops led by Gen. Béthouart, withdrawn from Norway after the Narvik campaign. They faced a crucial choice: whether to accept the Armistice and return (0 occupied France, and their families; or whether to fight on under the entirely new colours of the Free French, in a war whose outcome could only be guessed. Most of the Chasseurs Alpins and sailors chose to return home; but more than half of the Foreign Legion’s 13° Demi- Brigade elected to fight on under Gen. De Gaulle. For these légionnaires, voluntarily exited from their homeland, ot without any blood ties to the country of their adoption, a long and extraordinary crusade was just beginning From 1940 to 1943 the légionnaires, like the rest of the Free French forces, were supplied from British sources, The légionnaires made every effort to maintain their French equipment, and 10 keep their traditional di ns; but actual clothing was naturally replaced fairly soon by British equivalents. From the summer of 1943, when the Free French Forces and the French Army of Africa came together after the defeat of the Axis forces in North Africa, they formed the French Army of Liberation, and were re-equipped with US uniforms, equipment and weapons. 1—The ‘képi blanc" was the distinctive headgear of and fastened just below the knee. lucked into long the Legion. Iwas in fact regulation kepi. with adark socks, as protection against sun und insects and = more blue body and a erimson cop, fitted with light sun ‘cover. Originally this had boen pale khaki, but the ‘desert sun and frequent washing Bleached it white. A gold lace false chinstrap was worn by senior earparals pu Sorgwants 2—Another traditional item was the ‘chéche" or desert scarf, ecailing old Saharan glories, and by the ‘outbreak of war a regulation item of campaign dress for Alrican and motorised units. Asnother link with their tye identity it was cherished by Free French ‘oops; it was also highly practice, By the ime that Gen, Koeni's Ist Free French Brigade won renown at Bir Hakeim. the Legion batta lions had tong since reccived both Bat tropical KD clothing from ine Bash army, The 13 DBLE added the Free French emblem ~ the Cross of Lorraine ~ to the sleeve In red, white and blue: and Legion collar patehes, uf dark blue with two green pipings. The Legion's seven-lamed grenade emblent 'was worm gn these, in green by the troops and gold by senior NCOs, 4—Ole pattern French personal equipment, isued to the 13° DBLE for the Norwegian campaign, 1940, and still in use in 1942, W compoised the standard DI90B'H4 bet, MISHA suspenders, three MISIG ‘cartridge pouches, a wo-ltge 411935 water boutle and Sling; dain Khas haersack usa for rations ad '5--Britih KD shorts, of the ype popularly known as ‘Bomb bloomers”. Thyse could be lolded down importantly, al the time when they were designed biistering gas. They were hardly ever so worn, in practice {6—Biitsh “hose tops’, often worn rolled down to the fop of the Boot by the French 7-French M1917 ankle boots 8—MAS%6 rifle in 7.Smm calibre, introduced in certain infantry and all eavalry units shortly before he outbreak of war, fe was sued to the Norwegian expeditionary force immediately before embarkation ‘The Tong acedle-bayonet fied ino a tbe Dencath the Darrel when not fixed, so was not carried on the bel Francois Vawvillier24 ITALIAN INFANTRYMAN, ITALY, 1942 "Tuniform and equipment of the World War I lian infantry did no ifs markedly from those of the Great War. The uniform remained ‘grigio-verde’, the grey-green colour adopted in 1909. Successive regulations altered points of detail, but the overall appearance of the soldier hardly changed in 30 yeass; the only major innovation was the introduction of an open-coffar tunic in 1933. ‘The new uniform distributed from 1940 onward was made of a half-natural, half-synthetic material, and was worn in all climates except the African desert. Personal equipment remained unchanged. As for their small arms, the Italians made a tentative effort to replace the 6.5mm calibre, proved inadequate in Ethiopia and Spain; but after going some way towards introducing new weapons in 7.35mm, they reverted to the old calibre rather than face the difficulty and expense of re-equipping an expanding army then mobilising for war, The range of infantry weapons and calibres which actually saw service proved a nightmare for the logistic services. 1M)933 nickel-steel helmet, painted matt prey aarcensithas three ventilation holes, and up 0 1942 the 9—Mess tin, made ip aleeciaiuim since 1930. Of foval shape, it could be carriew either strapped to the branch ol-service budge Was Stencfled o0 the front jn tack 21959 shin, of areysteen Maan! for winter and Tighter lth for suns had’ fl coll lor tse with nce of the tae shade; wo buttoned breast posketc and. tvocutton pullover fon. 3—MI9I0 open-cotar tunic in gacy-green semi syne mate had four buttoned patch pork ‘he am an intra cloth belt with two adjustment Buttons. Une the preceding mode, which a cal. Ibn vious brane fours, the 1940 une was ere) freon al over. Ont slecvels the red double chen Sis eran, won oth ar Ths cal pss Sarled ia colours and supe depending, upon the bianch of serie andthe formation: thexe white re- tangles deny the ith Division Regina composed ofthe ah 1th SHh tnd 33st tatany Regents ‘The siver sar Of Savoy was wory onal Aven colar byl aks M1851 personal equipment, of lator chemi ved greyish green The nck suspend hooked tehiod the carrdge pouches: the narrow Del Was Sor wih he buckle fet othe lel S-MIONT double cautidge pouches, each pocket fodng four clips of Sram Cateanosminunion 6—Standaed issue water bottle in cloth-conered aluminium: one and” qwo-resits. were sued theording io branch of en 7—Mi930 knapsack ip heavy canvas with leather straps. It had three interior compart and the external straps allowed stowage ofa rolled greatcoat, Dimaket, and M929 camouflaged tent section, the latter also serving as a poncho. B-MI933 gasmask satchel, used asa haversach for sina kt since the introduction OF he T35 gasmask hnaversack, oF, as here, in ils OWN cover. 10—MI891 bayonet frog, linked to the entrenching tool cartier. This latter could aevommodate several diflerent tools - here, a shovel H—Grey-preen uniform trousers of foot troops! pattern, reaching below the knee, witere they are Ponkired by putters 12—-MI9I2 natural leather hobaailed boots, 13_MI941 Carcano rifle in 6.5mm calibre ~ 3 slightly modified development of the old M1891SOVIET INFANTRYMAN, WINTER 1941 | 26 the uniforms of the Soviet Army underwent a radical process of reform in the years following 1918, when a conscious effort was made to turn away from the Jong Imperial tradition. In 1936 a new, predominantly khaki uniform was adopted; though generally of a modern and practical cut, it had certain short- comings which were shown up by the Russo-Finnish campaign of 1939. This ‘Winter War’ cost thousands of Soviet lives through the failure to provide adequate protection against the cold, which often fell to 40° below zero. An efficient cold-weather garment, the ‘telogreika’, was later mass-produced. The first issues of this uniform proved their worth in the savage winter of 1941/42, when the German Wehrmaciy’s lightning drive into the heart of European Russia was halted before Moscow; German troops, dressed only in the woollen uniforms suitable for a temperate winter, faced Soviet reinforcements trained, and suitably equipped, in Siberia 1—Mioi0 ‘shapke-wshanka’ cap in feces trimmed sloth, which replaced the: ported oth “pudionoykar bonnet of the Rossian Cal War. The ‘usa’ was popalat, and often. was even seen whom under the sect helt, and 2s Spied by the German Wehrmacht apd later by many oer acinics ‘The officers version had teal for tim, the trope artical fe (popularly known a fish"). 2-Enacited red sae badge: 4 plainer Khaki pained version wat also Wed 3 The ‘elogrika’ jacket MI94L in quilted kak lik, Ati de wast genera table, an skas such sought after Its simple capacous sen was highly eeont for fkdd wear inthe coisest ce mates Manufactied~tike most Soviet uniform tems Mtfactories dispersed over a huge county Gsrpted by war st appeared with a umber 0! dbsigns of pockets, bits, collar and 4—Trousers, made tn the same quilted material as she jacked. These were rather less often seen than the jacket, perhaps because some soldiers found them ‘ncumbering, There were wide colour variations betwen jackets and tronsers, across the Whole range of khakis rom yellow-brown to green-brown, ‘5 Standard belt in natura) Jeazher, wh a single- prong buckle; the belt was viewally unchanged since before the Revolution. 6 Holster for the Nagant MIS¥S 7.62mm cevolver. Although completely out of date by 1941 this ‘was still on issue to many officers andsome NCOs, and 1 certain categories of soldiers ~ signallers, machi gunners, drivers, etc. Ie was slowly replaced by the ‘Tokatey TTS3 of the same calibre, which was fist issned during jhe Russo-Finnish War. J—Map case in natural leather sued to officers, NCO section commanders and reeonaissance per sonnel; there were many variations of material and detail design §Binck leather boots, traditional to the Russian soldier for more than a cemnury. Ia vee) cold weather they were often replaced by loose fel ‘valenki', which could be stufted with insulating material, 9 Carrier for the drum magazine of the PPShaL sub-maching gun, in heavy khaki canvas. 10-PPShs1 submachine gun, designed by che engineer Shpag le for mats-peoduetion aicthods. This eljable weapon became the “rademark’ of the Soviet soldier; although supplies ‘only allowed is issue 10 the pick of frontline 1700p ia 941, some five million were made during the war, and it—or the later PPD43 sub-machine gunt~ became the petsonal weapou of about one Red Army infantryman Inevery three. It fired standard 7.62mm ammunition, fand the druns accommodated 71 rounds. The combi pation of short accurate range and high rate of fre cgorded with the aggressive combat doctrine encour aged by the Soviets.28 GERMAN LIGHT MACHINE GUNNER, RUSSIAN FRONT, SUMMER 1943 SSS At four years of war the outline of the German front-line infantryman had undergone a noticeable change. The ba: uniforms and equipment were still those of 1939; but there now appeared the first sizeable issues of camouflage-cloth combat smocks and kelmet covers, following the example offered by the troops of Waffen-SS formations since 1938. The equipment actually carried in the assault was lighter than ever: the mobile German infantryman was able to leave much of his kit in his truck or halftrack transporter during actual combat. The soldier iMlustrated is a light machine gunner, and carries on his person all necessary special equipment for this function. Each infantry section had at least one LMG. 1MI942 steel helmet, a snplifed version of the MI935: to ease mass production the edge Was left raw’, aud turned outwards, instead of being tusned Under all round like the 1933 helmet 2—linprovised eamfouflage act, Helmer covers made the ngolar three-colour “splinter” camouflage pate {em used by the Army (as opposed to Waffen-SS) alo appeared in 1982/83, S—Camouftage smock: this shows in clear detail the splinter’ pattern, fist adopted for the Zelaka shelter halftent section as early as 1931. The smock was of loose cut, tightened by elasticated laces at ‘wrists, neck and waist, and with vertical sits allowing ‘access t0 the pockets of the woollen uniform worn ‘under the smoek st Bet of 1507 92mm caries, mak of met S—MIOM drum magazine, with a capacity of 50 rounds, used on the weapon for assaults and other ‘occasions when the belt would be ineonvenica Pairs ‘of drums could be carried in a special container, 6—M1939 infautry equipment suspenders. in eather with matt grey metal fixtures; normally eagaged with the cifleman’s cartridge pouches, they ‘could also fix (0 the alternative items carried on the front of the belt, as here 7Black eather belt, with the Army's grey painted buckle plate bearing the traditional Prussian ‘motto “God With Us’ around the endorsedewing eagle ‘and swastika emblem, 8 Accessory pouch for the MG34 light machine gun: it contains an anti-aircraft sight, an extractor tool, an oil can, @ spare breechblock, a belt feeder Toneuo, a flash-hider, a protective glove for changing hot barrels, and various maintenance and cleaning tools. 9—Standard issue pocket Mashlight 10— Pistol holster, as sued to machine yuoners for personal sidearms “here, the Walther P38 9mm MU—Ascault pack’ or webbing frame, hooked 10 the ‘D- sings of the equipment suspenders and looped to the belt. Its straps allowed stowage of minimal assault equipment: the mess tin, the Zetbahin, and a bag ‘containing icon rations, teal pegs, ete 12—M1938 gasmask in black rubber, carried in its painted metal canister, here of the Second Iype 13—Satche! for the proofed snti-gas cape, normally carried strapped to the gasmask canister although this was officially forbidden. 14—MI931 “breadbag’ haversack, containing small petsonat items, field cap, rations, etc. It was earned fooped to the belt IS-MI93t_ water bottle, of enamelled metal painted olive, 16—Field grey cloth trousers, of straight cut; these were unchanged since the beginning of the war, apart from the abandonment of the stone grey’ shade origt- nally seen 17—Black leather marching boots, or ‘dice shalers', their height slighty reduced at the end of 1839, I8—Leichter Maschinengewehr MG34, the basie aulomatic weapon ofthe infantry section, This should properly be termed a "general purpose’ machine pun; fn was more sophisticated and much fastet-liing thao the magazine-fed LMGs of Allied armies, and when Fited to a tripod mount could perform all the ixed= firing tasks of a nedium machine pur.SOVIET INFANTRYMAN, SUMMER 1943 ie OS 2st 148 Stalin signed the regulations known as Prikas 25’ of the National Defence Commissariat, which detailed, in 64 pages, the new uniforms of the Red Army. This docusnent matked an astonishing about-face, in that it revived significant traditional uniform features which had been suppressed since the Revolution. While most noticeable in the case of officers’ uniforms, these ‘folk-lore’ items (high collar, shoulder straps, etc.) extended to all ranks. At a time of low morale, after suffering repeated defeats and millions of casualties, the Soviet regime consciously summoned up the ancient patriotic spirit of the Motherland; and any reminders of even Tsarist glory were pressed into service ‘The revived prestige of the soldier’s uniform had a positive effect on the morale of the ‘Frontovik’. 1-M1935 'pifoska’ cap; this Khaki siueeup, worn tiled 10 the right, was the everyday headgear of the Soviet ranker in temperate weather, Allentisted an} wore the red enamelled star badge, or ils Held qualiey ‘equivalent in khaki-painied metal 2—The traditional ‘gymnasiiorka’ shirt-wnic of the Russian soldier, MIS43. The standard garment of the soldicr in 1emperate weather, this khaki cotton item had a stand coifar closed by two small buttons. ‘This soldier ssplays the Medal of Military Valour: the traditional Russian style, medals were worn even combat 3-M1043 shoulder boards, These were of Khaki cloth, with» pining in braneh-of service colour (rasp berry red for infantry, oF more properly. tfles) snd NCOs” rank insignia in the form of red. sinpes of varying numbers and widths. Officers had parade shoulder boards in metalic lace, as well aya subducd field version 4-Standard issue bel pouches, the mo pockets each ree fivesround els o¢ 7.62an arma far the rile {6—M104) helix which replaced the M1936 ype distinguished by an applique metal erest, OF very sz form. this heimet is lil in widespread use ‘7—Khaki cloth satchel for the new BN yasmask 8—-MI935 ‘sharovari’ trousers of khaki cotton cloth. All branches wore the same hall-breeches: note the characteristic pointed ceinforcement patches on the knees. ‘9-Staudard issue black leather hoots Jo--311939 knapsack it ada eoplaed he od pack called a mushok”. but the latter Was sill seen in Farge: numbers. The M1939 pack war of khaki cloth with leather edging and straps. ough wartime econ. ‘omy sometimes replaced these fixtures with cot equivalents, The skoulder straps hooked to fings bbehind the caverdge pouches atthe from. M—Kheki ‘plashch-palarka’ tent section. which could be used as a hooded! rsin cape by manipulation of cords and slots; it was. worn Over all personal ‘equipment. The greateoat could aiso be worn rolted in athorseshoc’ 12—Square-headed entrenching tool in its cartier there sere many slighly varing pes simulianesas use 1-Aluminium water hole carried in a Kh loth pocker fastened by press studs. 14—M1801/30. Mosin. Nugant 7.62mm rife. The satiant of aline of weapons sizetcking back te the ode shorter ty rie. Hr stayed In service right up Lo the end of World War I despice being seriogsy outclassed by more modern de Many Soviet soldicts received either the PPSIs| sub machine gun, o¢ the sems-automatic Tokarev SV Ts fifle, The old Mosin Nagamt wis. provided with hitless eruciform needle bayonet. but seldom with scahhae if thebayonet waste screed at all times,WAFFEN-SS INFANTRYMAN, RUSSIAN FRONT, SUMMER 1943 aised from the pre-war paramilitary SS militia, the Waffen S evolved during the war years into what was almost a ‘paraifel army’, many hundreds of thousands strong and organised into more than 30 divisions — some of them the largest, best-equipped, and most formidable combat formations in the Wekr- ‘macht. From a low initial reputation among the professionals of the Heer, they rose to become the ever-reliable ‘fire brigade’, committed as the spearhead of attack or the last tine of hopeless defence. Their field grey uniforms were generally identical to those of the Army apart from their special insignia; and their personal equipment and weapons — although initially drawn trom obsolete stacks ~were by 1941 standard current Wehrmacht issue 1MI935 seu! helmet, The charactenstic W-SS camoullage cover, which was worn from the Bs days ff World War fl, was made {rom no less than 14 Separate pieces of cloth: and fixed by an "envelope sch sped undo he oe bri, and ce spre hooks which engaged at sides and reat. Like aff the many patterns of camouflage. smock, the helmet covers were reversible, the colours being predomi nantly brows on one side for gatarpn and ter, and predominantly areen onthe other lor spring and Si tmer. This an can cover, lacking the later external Hoops for faiaze 2-Only the collar of the tunic is seen above the camouflage smock. It bears the black collar patches of the WSS: on the right, Bearing the SS runes badge of the whole organisatjon, and on the let bearing 3 sjstemol rank nsiona peculiar 10 the, here the 60 Stipes ola corporal both collacinsign were cmbrot- dered in white oF silver-rey for caisted ranks 3-Camouflage smock. first tested by the W-SS as ceariyas 1938, and later sued universally toall combat personnel twas copiod by the rest ofthe Wehrmacht In various ways; and, since World War Il, by almost very army nthe World it was genuinely important Innovation in military dress Of loose evt, gathered at wast nck BY clasts oF laces, st Was WFR ‘over the woeffen uniform but under the exuipment. ‘This i'a. model manutactaned im 1942-44, with to shirt pocketn: earlier smock had only vertical site through which the waiform pockets could be reached “Another sign of a late-patern smock isthe series of foope sewn onto the shoulers and arms, or attacking, Ichiag. There were about seven variations of eamout lage pattern, in light and dark preens, light and dark browns. even orange and violet shades; all feared smal, basically rounded patches of superimposed eo) burs in patients resembling leaves. Heze both smock find helmet cover display the springsomme” side 4—M1939 black leather infantry equipment suspenders 5_Stanard oye Hack lester fi eaudae ches, two set8 of thee holding (otal of 12 ve Pound clips of 792mm Mauser ammunition. 6—MI924 hand grenade 7-Standard issue black leather belt, the buckle plate of grey-painted metal bearing a design peculiar fo the SS. an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching 2 swastika, the wings breaking a riband bearing the motto" My Honour Is Loyalty” 8 M1894/98 hayonet in old-pattern black leather frog (lacking a hilt strap) ‘9Folding entrenching shovel, in its metal-rein- forced leather carrier, which included aumento hold steady the bayonet scabbard, 10—M1938 gasmask i its painted metal canister. UU—Anti-gas cape, here in a late type of satchel made in ordinary (i.e, n0n-proofed) cloth 12_Reversibie eamouflaged Zelibahn in W-SS pat- tern, here simply strapped to the belt a common Dractice when in lightened assault hamess. 13MI931 water bottle, with tinned, olive-painted cup, 14_M1931 ‘brcadbag’ 1S—M1942 trousers in fleld prey cloth. These had beltloops; and tightening laces and instep straps at the bottom of each leg, introduced for use With ankle boots and web anklels, which replaced the old high ‘shakers io the middle war years. 16—Canvas anklets, with leabier straps 17—Ankle boots in natural leather, fist Issyed t0 some ttoops in 1937, replaced the high boots durin ‘he war years or economy reasons. Usually blacked ia use, the) sometimes appeared it natural Wn. 18 Mauser 98k 7-92mm rifleJAPANESE INFANTRYMAN, SUMMER 1942 Ants time of Japan's entry into the war on 7 December 1241, the Japanese infantryman was equipped with an outfit which had benefitted from pro- longed field experience in Manchuria and China. in 941-42 the infantryman wore the Model 98 uniform, introduced in 1938. This was made in bath khaki-brown cloth for winter and lighter cotton for summer and tropical use. The ‘Hetai’ asthe Emperor's footslogger was known, confronted the Allied forces in the Pacific theatre in this simple uniform; and the model illustrated here wears summer dress with complete marching kit presented to him by his family 1—Model 92 (1932) helmet, opted daring the ‘Chinese campaign: the pot-shaped steel shell, painted khaki-brown, was fitted co the ead by snail agjus table pads inside, The frontal insignia was inthe form ‘of a star for the Army and an anchor for Marines, 2—A helmet cover was often worn laced fo khaki quilted linen, with badge sown onto a round pies 3—Tumie Model 98 (1938), swear Stas five from buttons, 10 hip wea, 4 Ub to support the bch on the left where the bayonet was slung, and four buttoned pockets, Collar patches hore the insignis of rank, here those of a private est clas, 4 -Rectangular canvas knapsack, with cloth sto age straps retaining the exterior load, which here ludes ® waterproot rolled inside the tent section, (Gshich could be wore as @ poncho), spare boots, and the entrenching spade. its head removed from the hat and carried in cloth cover place, yellow star of anchor oFunitorm cloth n cotton for tropical Tropical helmet, There were a numberof dit ferent lypes; this one is made of cork with a orton cover. There was also a flexible version, which the Soldiee could wear under his sice! helme’ {6—Gasinask, similar n esign to the British box respirator 7—-MI933 water hottle, in khaki-painted alumi- hum. 4 staapof the cartier passed through the ring on the stopper 8—Trousers, loosely cut in *ball-breeehes’ shape trom khaki cotton, They were gathered atthe ankle bY means of buttons, laces oF press-studs, 9—Natural leather belt witha single-prong buckle ‘The three cartridge pouches fastencd with straps ad studs. ‘The front pair held 30 rounds each; the larger Fear pouch held 69 sounds and the rifle cleaning Kit Tine bayonet frog. also in natural vaelelher, com the Ie 10—Mess tin in khaki painted aluminum, strapped to the pack Khaki pattees were inade of enher winter oF sumuer weight unitorm cloth note the °"X"effect of the pattern, characterisiz of the Japanese In accordance with tradition he carries a flag 12 Standard issne army boots in natural leather, 15--Cloth haversack for personal eee. 14--Quillon bayonet for the Model 38 Arisaka. 15-—Model 38 rifle, named afer its inventor, Col. Nari Arisaska, In Service with the Japanese Army from 1906 to 1945, this was @ 6.5mm weapon which appeared in both Tons" and short” models~ though at ‘ins, even the "short" type was unwieldy enough for short Japanese soldiers in thick jungle 16—The ‘Bunn-Tehokyu’, 9 patriotic good-luck Nag ingcribed by the soldiers family and friends with prayers for honour and good fortane.US MARINE INFANTRYMAN, MARIANA ISLANDS, JUNE 1944 (ERS he crack infantry of the US Marine Corps were linked administratively to the US Navy rather than the Army. Their tactical employment, and details of their clothing and equipment, also distinguished them from the bulk of America’s foot-soldiers. They specialised in amphibious assault, and were employed almost exclusively in the Pacific theatre of operations. During the savage and costly ‘island-hopping’ counteroffensive against the Japanese, which lasted three and a half years, they became renowned for their fighting qualities and their tenacity, at a heavy cost in lives. Our subject here is a sniper from the 2nd Marine Division ‘The Japanese were adept at last-ditch defence of cunningly concealed positions, and their snipers held up many advances; the Marines were obliged to put much effort into locating and neutralising them. {Standard M1 steel helmet, nere with the cloth camouflage cover peculiar to the US Marines: like other camouflaged uniform items, it was predo nantly brown and beige on one side, and predou nantly green on the other, being. theoretically reversible for operations on beaches or in jungle. In practic, this did not make much differcnce, The Cover was occasionally stenciled in black with 1 USMC’s eagle, globe and anchor badge. The ol rab fatigue cap was often worn under the helmet; i, 109, often bore the Corps badge. 2-MIOMI fatigue jacket, in herringbone cotton tol, also ia what Was officially called olive drab but which quiekly faded in use to a pale grey-green. Te has three pateh pockets without Maps, the USMC acronym. and emblem being stencilled on the left breast pocket. ‘The front and cuffs are fastened with brass Buttons. ‘The marine’s identity discs or ‘dog tags’ are slung round his neck on a lace. J—Ammusition bandolier, & throw-away item ised already packed with 12 clips forthe rife 4The US Marine M1941 Pack System consisted fof a knapsack, which could be worn atone, anda hnaversack, which could bv attached below the knap: sick, the combination being known as the “transport pack®. The Tchandled entrenching spade is attached hhere to the flap of the knapsack: The shelter haltf poncho, in US Marine eamoullage material, is rolled Lup and strapped round the knapsack. 5—War booty: 2 Jepanese water bottke and flag. Such souvenirs were prized. and could be traded with rearechelon personnel for cash, drink, or other comforts 6—Mé satchel for the M6 gasmask, an Army issue item. 7—Jungle frst aid pouch’ hooked to the belt the standard fist aid pouch is hooked below the jacket; they hud wo s patch rear pockets, the butto fs those on the jacket being the same design SUSMC web legeings, which had fewer eyelets than the standard issue type. In the Pacific the trousers were often worn loose or rolled. 10—Standard issue boots of natural leather, rough side out’, with rubber heels and soles. | Rille belt MI9IGI23 of webbing, eons ten pouches with snap studs, each eontaiuing two. of -30 calibre cartridges. The equipment suspenders attached to the belt eyelets with snap hooks, and crossed in the middle of the back. A hand grenade, Mk.IL defensive, is carried with its lever hooked ‘ough the D-ring of one Suspender. The water bole ia its fabtic cartier, and a Rather-sheathed fighting knife are aso hooked to the lower eyele 12-Springfield MIMB Ad sifle, with wlescopic sights. The old bolt action Springfield was preferred, over the semi-automatic Garand MI which armed nos! rilemeu, for shiping work: rate offre was less ‘mporteat than accuracy fJAPANESE INFANTRYMAN, SPRING 1944 | 4 he simple, lightweight Japanese uniform was from the first quite suitable for tropical campaigning, and underwent little ctiange during the war years. AS wartime shortages began to bite there was a certain amount of substitution of non- strategic materials, however: many leather items were replaced with cheaper equivalents made of vulcanised fibre or rubberised cloth. ‘This soldier is wearing the lightened equipment typical of the jungle campaigns. ‘The cap, shirt, and ‘horseshoe roll” containing basic necessities were characteristic of the defenders of the Pacitic Islands against the US forces, and of Burma against the British L4th Army. Although some issue items~e.g. the gasmask — have been. discarded as useless encumbrances, he still carries, fixed to his bayonet, the good- luck flag presented by his family. 1Campaign cap in tight cloth, inwoduced jp 1938; manufaetured in various materials, & was the ‘most characteristie headgear of che Japanese soldieg Italways bore ou the front either the yellow star ofthe Aimy oF the anchor of the Imperial Marines. The example illustrated has an “economy” chinstrap, and Lightens atthe rear by means of a lace. 2_Neck flap, hooked to the cap For tropical cam- ppaigning; itis made trom four rectangles of cloth 3 Cotton shit, normally worn unger 2 tunic, but ‘worn alone in hot climates: it buttons al the way down the front, and has two breast pockets. Rank insignia swore fixed above the left pocket — here, that of a private Bist class, 4—Model 1982 steel helmet, with its quilted cloth sun-cover (which also bears the yellow star badge) ‘The helmet was often worn Oa top of the fatigue cap. S—Horseshoe coll” of spare clothes and basic necessities: a ess encumbering way of carrying equip. ‘ment than the issue knapsack, and one adopted by ‘any armies over the centuries, It could be made wit the tent section, oF a purpose-made holdal {6—Mess tn of khaki- painted sluminiom. strapped to the equipment rol, 7—Final model water bottle, in khaki-painted alu sminium, ia its slung carrier Light canvas haversuck, containing the bare ‘minimum of personal items, washing ki eating ulen- sils, minimal rations, ete 9The soldier has kept his leather belt, but hi ammunition pouches arp made of vulcansed fbr. Uypical of the ler part of the war: fabric belts were also eotnmon. 10—This cloth ag, macked with kdcograms, con- tains the soldier's most valued possessions and his personal documents Cotton *hall-brecehes’, gathered at the ankle by boutons or laces. The othe of these trousers varied, (rom something resembling jodhpurs « straighter ‘plusfours' shape. 12—Patteus, of either heavy wool ve light cotton cloth, held in placed by the chara ly Japanese tered tapes, 13 Standard issue euther boots: ia the ropics these were often replaced by yikarabi’ cam pian shoes of fabeie and rubber, with 3 separated big foe 14 Model 38 Arisaka rifle ~ the number eeferring to the 38th year of the Emperor Meir 1906. There was en ultemp 16 ce {6.5mm calibre wespon Wi the newer Model 99 in the 7mm calibre already employed by the Model 92 machine gun: but it was never completed, and the confusion of calibres made lor logistic dithealties,US ARMY INFANTRY NCO, PHILIPPINES, MAY 1945 nny Loniisinguished by any give away mark of his rank which might draw sniper fire, this NCO is dressed like the majority of the US Army infantry fighting in the Pacific in the closing months of the war. The special demands on uniform and equipment made by campaigning in the tropics were the subject of extensive technical studies. After the limited issue of camouflage uniforms, the Army reverted to a less conspicuous and more comfortable green fatigue outfit 1M soe helms the min shims) as ten left Ranging untavtencd an ation, wth he Maton Icather tap of the ner up over the brim 2—-M1943 fatigue jacket; originally a working and training uniform, these fanigues-quckly become the Standard combat clothing forthe tropics The icket ‘made of cotton heringhone twill, ang sideoiable bythe lnegebreat pockets, onginalycesianed to take 1 ration pack. Ii nlined, and was ten worn hhangng lose over the trousers. The buttons were binck moto sometimes of pasti;the straight cots fa two altsnauve buttons for adjusting the Ht IMI cache with 15-round magazine. This wee ro was originally designed to replace the MIDITAL futomatiepstol a the personal sem of ence t00p> Sind junior Waders, but many personnel were aacted byslightness and handines In practice, was found (0 lack stopping power: note thar our sergeant has fo hept the MIOIIAL Colt #3 automatic, ia Mig holster ~the bie 5 rounds had much peat impact than the carbines 30 calbre ammontion = 5 And an M3 Agbing knife. A double mogszine povch forthe cashine is xed to the weapon's at 483 binosulrs, 6x30; the MI9I7 leather case ‘could be cartied on ls sling, of looped tothe beh S_webbing equipmcnl. The M1936 pistol belt connie, from Ie to ight: MILO water bole. pistol holster, double mapazine ouch for the pistol, jungle firs aid pack with MID fst aid Grssing_ pouch titace On the back, a MI536 muerte (genera Prose hiversack) i cred slung hy the wnversal arsine sap, and entaine rations and smal personal kit A second water bottle hooked tothe rear of the Tei andthe proofed tent section cum poncho folded over the bet 6 M1945 fatigue trousers. wih large thigh pack cs, Note the faded colour, dus to prolonged exposure fosun, and washing T--Jongle boots, made of leather and canvas inspired bythe al leather double buekle combat boot B03 which appeared im the ranks in 1988. These Jugle boots, which had moulded rubber sole, first Teached the Iroops inthe last months of the war Th Feplaced the earir ise leather ane boots, and the ‘1b leggings (which most troops inthe Paci tended To discard mywas, rolling thos erouer les above the tnkle Boots for coolnes and cisy drainage) 40 Philippe CharbonnierFRENCH INFANTRYMAN, VICHY ZONE OF FRANCE, SUMMER 1942 yy fter the Armistice of June 1940) the new Vichy government was permitted 1 retain a small army for maintaining internal order and protecting overseas colonial territories. The bulk of this force were still uniformed as they had been in 1939-40; but a new uniform, ‘model 1944”, began to be manufactured and issued in summer 1942 In November 1942, after the Allied landings in French North Africa and the German occupation of the French ‘Free Zone’, the Army of the Armistice inside France was disbanded; and France’s African garrisons rallied to the Allies, forming the core of the Army of Liberation. The Mi941 uniform continued to be made during 1943-44, and was distributed to various personnel, including the so- called ‘Ist Regiment of France’; the Milice (who received dark blue versions intended for the Chasseurs a Pied, as well as the standard khaki version); and also, by the Free French authorities in auvamn 1944, to the Maquis units and the reformed regiments which were put into the line alongside the Allies in the last winter of the war. 1_Stoel helmet NUI926, with M1937 frontal emb- Jom on 2 metal dise. The new 941 system had been intended (0 inlude a helmet with small metal crest ‘nd front bufler, like those of Freeet motorived ‘oops, but it never appeared! snd a spat section covering the tap of the boot 7—A1041 boots, ofa new design with hardened, rounded toe 2 2-MIOMT shirt and tie. The shit differed from the M1935 type mainly in having shoulder straps; the ie was of tapered shape, ending in a point, whereas the bd tie had been straight and square-ended, 3—MIO41 tunic. Originally this had been intended only for a watking-out and parade dress, and a heavy ‘canvas jacket ~ modelled gn those used by the ski Uuoops in the Norwegian campaign of 1940 — had bcen planned for field west. In prasice the latter never appeared, s0 the tunic had 10 do service as an all Purpose uniform. lis shape recalled that of the pre vious uniform for offers. with an open collar and tour pockets: removable ‘rolled’ shoulder straps were added for campaign use, and the cuffs were buttoned {wallow them to be turnéd up. The citation lanyard in the red of the Légion d’Honneur was worn by the Ist Infantry, whose patch eh man wears, with the cipher and ppings in ene colour ~ crimson ~ ofthe 192 4-M1935 equipment, unchauged since 1939-40 No gasmask js carried: its issue was forbidden under the terms ofthe Franco-German Armistice S—MIOM aronsers, of styaight can; they ere designed to be worn loose at the ankle kn walking-o0 dress. The cloth, of the same khaki shade as the sae, was of inferior qualily, and tended to urn greyish with 6—MI941 hall gaiters. Some issue of front-lacing alters iad been made to the infantry in spring 1940, Teplacing the olf puttees, The 194] model were more S—MASI6 sifle; enough remained after the Armistice 10 equip the whole Vichy army. which Rad igh ss thar 100,000 men, Francois VawvillierBRITISH BREN GUNNER, SICILY, JULY 1943 pf mY to, AC Mer ie, ital victory in North Attica in May 193, the British 8th, Army [anded in Sicily as a necessary prelude to an invasion of the Italian mainland Monigomery’s desert veterans, drawn from many Commonwealth nations and fighting alongside French, Polish and Canadian comrades as well as the US 5th Army, now faced a slow, costly, two-year campaign against stubborn, skilled German defenders of a series of strong natural positions. In summer the climate and terrain differed little from that encountered in the last stages of the African campaign, and the 8th Army retained their desert uniforms. The substitution of full-length trousers in khaki drill for the desert shorts was the only major change to the infantryman’s silhouette. In the extre- mely cold, wet Italian mountain winters Battledress was issued, and proved barely adequate in conditions as bad as anything suffered by the 2nd Army in North-West Europe. A-Mk.I1 steel helmet, fished with matt psiet, and covered witha camouflage net. Photographs show that hessian andlor foliage ‘garnish’ was applied vo this sparingly, if at all, in the Italian theau 2—The ‘Aertex' cotton shirt in pale Khaki, a8 worn in Attica 3-Woollen V-neck pallover in Khaki. This was issued in all theatres, and was 4 useful and comfort able etd garment in weather Too wari fr separ use tthe Batiedres blowse 41927 pattern webbing equipment, in Fist Ser vice Marching Order urangeane. The huversick oF “omall pack" worn on the back in “Battle Order” (aot sworn Here) asuly moved t the ff ip where i was lttached to the stspender?brae ends; and the “large pack’ or vase ~ am tem retained from the of 08 Paltern equipment was worn om the back instead. Tt fas allached by means of the same removable L- Shaped saps the small pack inthis postion the hooks atthe angle ofthe engaged with the buckles ot the universal pouches The valise contained changes of underwear, shirt, socks, ete spare boots, invas and robbie plimeals and persondt hls wash ing"ie, towel, proundshecUran cape, and. other neceses were divided between large nd stall packs when both ere cased. In ats combat the Xatise was left wih the unit transport, Together with areatoals and blankets they were not immediately nes The hones was wot coral wh eh ‘machine gun, but fet was sed on campaign mn forseamp ehores or for mine probing, ad omc fines retained by. Brem gunners, Note the sue jackkaite S_Water botle, unchanged sine the 108 sgup ment There were two perl carier one weompite the other it open strapwork ‘The bole tended tobe catried in the sal pack ist the aduition of extra tem of hit to the soles load meant sat was almost invariably moved 10 the bel {make room inthe haversack 6 —Enicenching tool, its steel mattock head ear siedin the Webbing pocket and its halt eked across the outside, ‘7—Khaki dail full length tropical trousers, which began 10 be issued to all troops in this theatre. They. were modelled on the Bastledress trousers in that they too had the large (lelt thigh) map pocket and small (right hip) first fet dressing pocket 8Bren Mk. light machine gun, 303in. calibre ‘This was the infantry section's main firepower, aad each lenman section consisted of a tvo-man Bren {group led by the lanee-corporal deputy svetion leader, And six riflemen Ted by the corporal section lead Simple, robust, very reliable, and extremely accurate at normal battle ranges. the Bren was popula ‘weapon. Its 30bound curved box mapazines were earsied in the universal pouches; the Bren ‘No.1 cartied four, his "No.2" four, and the lance-corporal four. Each silleman also carried two magazines. and these could be passed to the Bren froup as needed. he short buckled gaiters worn bby most British troops of all branches oY service 10 — Standard issue hobnailed “ammunition boot Philippe CharbonnierITALIAN ‘BERSAGLIERI’ INFANTRYMAN, ITALIAN SOCIAL REPUBLIC, 1944 1n 15 September 1943 the Ltalian Social Republic was created: a puppet Fascist mini-state in the territory still occupied by German troops, and nominally ruled by Mussolini, who had been rescued from his pro-Allied captors by Otto Skorzeny's daring commando raid. The army of the RSI was made up of Italian Fascists still loyal to Mussolini, drawn from the ranks of the old royal army and the Blackshirt militia. Four divisions strong, this force was largely formed and trained in Germany At first the RST troops wore the uniforms of the old royal army with the addition of new insignia, the Roman sword being a common emblem. But despite their unenviable military situation and threatening future, the RSI soon produced quite a range of new outfits which, together with a mixture of old uniforms, camouflage garments and German items, gave the Fascist troops a characteristic appearance. The soldier illustrated is a senior corporal (‘corporal-major’) of Bersaglier’ light infantry in the newly formed “Italia’ Division 1-M1033 stect helmet; unchanged yo for heve garnished with camouflage, atriclour insienia, and the black cock's feather plume traditional to Bervagieeri 2-MI939 grey-green flannel shiet. 3LMIOM anorak, in grey-browu windproof smaieral, Originally peculiar o-apin’ and Bersaglier, this garment as more Widely distributed late in The war. Ithas fall collar, four buttoned pockets, and six frony buttons. The crimson “ame” collar insignia ta ditional o the Bersaglier’ bear the Roman sword and ‘wreath of the RSt in place of the star ofthe old roysl ary, The cout and gold cheycon insignis of eoxporal. major are sewn ahove the leh breast pocket; above the right pocket is the badge worn by RSI soldiers whose nits had been teaincd and formed in Germany. Below the rank is am RSI volnateers: badge, Sfvau badge popular among Mussolini's last fant 4—Bayonelldagger for the MAB38s sub-machine gun, with a folding blade, anda hil-hook which kept it dt this tilted angle on the bel, S—MI944 belt, an obvious copy of the German 12, the buckle piate bearing an eagle and fasces embiens, 6—Magazine pouches, alo copicd bom German models, the body was made of canvas, with Teather flaps and straps. Each pouch cartied three box maga zines, The suspender ithe old MIR89) type ~a good example of the mixture of old and Mew in RST equipment. 7-939 rectangular knapsack, with the blanket and camouflayed tent section/poncho rolled and strapped to it M941 teousers; taken from Hlisn army para trooper socks, these grey-tteen trousers Were Cut stight, and fastened atthe ankle with buttoned tabs Or lacs, They ae tucked into the socks i this photo: staph they weve often worn without any sort of putlees or gailers. The paratrooper ironsers had to Sg side pockets and to buttoned ean tevoler poke 9 Standasd issue black lather MIDI2 boots 10—Standard issue one-iee aluminium canteen with tot cover 11—Beretta MIO3&a snb-machine gun ~ an excel. lent weapon, prized by any Aliod soldier who could {ar hand on one fehas two tigger, the Hont one for Single shots and the rear one for busts. A special ‘arse (Dm 383) was sed for this weapon, Duta ‘would algo take the Glsensd Smm and German Parar bellum mm rounds. Widely used 00 all (eont By feats ieoops. and stead is farge numbers to tha RSI forecs it wa actually Put hack into produchons aller 8 six year interval, in 1950,48 GERMAN MOUNTAIN INFANTRYMAN, ITALIAN FRONT, SUMMER 1944 SS RY Tranis to an inteigent use of limited manpower and resources, in terra which greatly favoured the defence over the attack, the German troops in Italy managed to delay the Allies right up until the end of the war in 1945 —a final defeat suffered on other fronts, which found significant German forces still in place on the southern frontiers of the Reich. Although stripped of resources in favour of the more immediately threatening Western and Eastern Fronts, the troops in Italy fought intelligently and stubbornly, making the Allies pay the highest cost in blood and material before failing back to the next prepared defensive line. In this theatre the troops were equipped with a mixture of the classic field grey temperate uniform, tropical uniform, camtouftage items, and confiscated Italian stocks. 1 Field grey mountain cap, modelled oxiginally con that of the Austrian ‘Gebirasiéger” of the Great ‘War, The German Gebirgsjdger started the war 3s the is classic headgear; But it was e new tropical field cap of the sand iy 1943 a very similar pauera fbecame the Stindard everyday headgear of the Wehr ‘macht, replacing the sidecap. The mountain cap has a Slightly higher outline and shorter peak than the later types. There are 1wo ventilation eyelets; and the band, Which can be falded down 10 protect the face, fastens ‘with to front buttons, The tional eagle-ai-swas- tika in grey on grecn, and the national cockade, are displayed on the front of the crown; and the metal beraneh-oFserviee hadge, ap cdelWeiss flower, is pitted 0 the fet side 2 Tropical shiet in olive coston 3 Tropical tunic. of che simpliied type which appeared in 1942143, of looser cut and with wnplearet pockets. The origindl olive shade became very faded Im use: there was also occasional use of Luftwaffe ‘cqnivalents, which were made in pale sand-khaki. The rival removable shoulder straps of iropieal pattern bear the mid-gzcen piping of the moun Loops. ‘The illustrated example of the branch's edelweiss sleeve patch is in tropical pattern. embroidered in ‘white on brown: the Army's breast exele iy in (ropical bine and brown, Insignia ftom he woollen waifore, standaed colours, were often seen attached to topical clothing in Italy, 4—Equipmem suspenders in webbing, produced for tropical use bat offen seen om she minlsad of Eurmpe in 19445. The original colour was light olive, Dut the webbing faded with use to tan yell § Cartridge pouches in canvas and leather, each ofthe patr holding two magazines or De sem auto man Gene echoed en mca ‘aed. These pouches Were in sbortsuppiy, sade 2 lemma iad to we one pate of canvas pouchis for the detacable magazines, ‘and one set of tee star dard poner bokting. foose rounds oF clips oi canidgee 6—MIV2 sicel helmet, camoul ‘match the terrain on this frou 7Standard issue belt MISS] “breadbag! 9 —Wacer Bolte, here a large one-lie version sheoretially rexerved Tor strcteher-bearers, but Popular item in Maly among any troops who could lay hhands on them. #6—Seraighcout cotton trousers, They Mave two side pockets, one with a butioued fap on the right ‘ear, and an integral belt with a three-prong buckle 11—Short puttees, specific to the movntain yroops cn a from sma hook held hem down on The boots imted 10, 12-Mountain boots, heavily nailed, made of natural leather witha top stip of field rey cloth 13—Gewehr 43 semi-auiomatic rife, in 792mm calibee, with a detachable ten-10und magazine, this was un efficient weapon, but it was never available in large numbers, and ils hurrying into service led to raquone ralfanctions. 14—ZF4 telescopic sight, x450 US ARMY AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN, ENGLAND AND NORMANDY, JUNE 1944 Dristed as he embarks for the Normandy landings of June 194, this squad ‘automatic rifleman represents the typical GI of the last year of the war in Europe. There had been a certain amount of modification of individual items and the introduction of some new materials; but the basic outfit had not changed ignificantly since the entry of the USA into the w: ILMI steel helmet. which tu offically replaced the M1917 (of British shape) in June 1941. Apact trom its very modern shape, sil in use today all found the orig, the ML had another unique feature: is eon struction in two parts. The outer steel shell. 10 which the main chinsttap was fixed, fitted exactly over a slightly smalter shell ofthe same shape but made of a Taminated fibre material, The internal harness of fabric straps which gripped the head was fixed inside the light ‘liner. which was ofien worn withoo! the shell, ‘when out of battle. Here the two-pict webbing chin- Sleap of the shell (rarely fastened tn battle) is tucked into the camoullage net. 2—MIDiI knitted woollen cap, or ‘beanie’. This could be worn under the helmet in cold weather, or ‘worn alone asa casual off-duty headgear. Irhas short sliffened front brim, and the sides and rear can be folded down over the ears, 3—Wool shirt, worn here over a white T-shirt it ‘had two patch breast pockets, and could be worn with ‘necktie for walking-out, Az internal flap could be buttoned across inside the neck, supposedly as added protection against gas. 4—-MIOII fold jacket. made of beige sotonipop- lin fined with 'lise Manne, This wandchestrsyte Jacket, consiously modelled on cian sponsncar ‘seam important innovation: he fst ma example Df the niversalssbe mone ofthe word 3 garment spec spl rpowe woollen serdct-andconist tunis oro by athe armies. fastens whartont ap coveredoy 8 Bottoned fy: butions tabs secure the collar and Sse and others gather the waist tw large vests Pats Behiod the shovlders gee easy ng. The Mids dig beiayshortcomingdinserice howe ‘as comiorable in temperate weather, But was 0 le fornorter wna and oo horns a is two slink pockels had ao sefu earrying capac ‘The wnarple usrted Deatson the et shouler tbe

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