British kit questions

Thanks CW

Heh, I listed in the uniform requirements - any cap badge. No3 Commando were volunteers and retained their regimental badges. Attached is No 3 Commando, No 4 Troop just before D-Day.

Bloody hell, I've been searching for ages! thanks for the heads up CW

Hello everyone, just a quick query about the Rifle Brigade. I'm at the understanding that they used black pips, crowns etc, my question is, where should one consider heading if they wish to buy some since I'm finding black metal very easily, but since they're only authorised on battle dress for The Guards Regiments if I've not been deceived... Where would one go since they're eluding me so far.

I have not seen ones for sale. Originals look to be cloth not metal. They might only be outlines in black material. You need to research on this as if confirmed making your own should be not too difficult.

Google found me this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRITISH-ARMY- ... 1045935883

Thank you for both for your help, gentlemen. It's not perfect, but I'm sure I can do something with them. Many thanks for your assistance.

[Edit]

On another more puzzling note, I'm finding that the cloth shoulder titles for the Rifle Brigade are being sold in black on dark green and what from my eyes looks like black on black.

http://www.montyslocker.co.uk/ourshop/p ... Title.html

Here's Monty's Locker which shows what I believe is black on black, if it's green, I've never seen a darker shade of it in my life. If it's true that it's only dark green with black writing... Why am I finding these on the interwebs?

Another query is about whether they had unique stripes in black and dark green or just used standard pattern that everyone else used.

Sorry for the trouble I'm causing.

Tommy9151

I have seen these on the Monty's Locker stall they are black writing on very dark green cloth. The Rifle Brigade did use their own black on green rank chevrons. Not exclusively but most photo references show their use on BD.

What kind of watches did British troops - specifically airborne forces - wear?

I'm wanting to get a decent look-a-like, or a robust enough replica, for airsoft use, so any help would be great.

What kind of watches did British troops - specifically airborne forces - wear?

I'm wanting to get a decent look-a-like, or a robust enough replica, for airsoft use, so any help would be great.

Have a 'Google' for "Eaglemoss Military Watches Collection Issue 12" and see if you like what you see - luckily for you, it's due for publication next Thursday...

https://www.facebook.com/EaglemossMilitary/photos/pcb.286136301565924/286135634899324/?type=1&theater
(Click on the "Next" button to then go to a picture of the watch)

Not only can I not believe my luck, but I can't believe I forgot about that feckin' magazine!

Shan't complain too loudly though - some man, McVickers.

As I'm CO for Avellino I've got a couple of corporals stripes to sew on.

What is the regulation distance from the top of the BD sleeve? My Dad can't remember at this distance in time, so any advice welcome! I could eyeball it but I'd rather get it right.

Cheers
Martin

A two bar chevron is worn with the bottom of the point 9.5" from the top of the sleeve.

Incidentally 1 bar is 9" and 3 bar 10.5".

Cheers
Charlie

Brilliant, thanks Charlie. I think I actually knew that but I'd forgotten.

Cheers
Martin

A quick question on the "Basic Airborne" kit guide, it suggests a maroon beret for airborne or green for commando, or a cap comforter, were cap comforters worn by commando and airborne ?

They were worn by anyone who wanted a warmer head, they were worn under helmets in cold weather. Commandos used them as hats because stealth was more useful than any protection a helmet provided. It is unlikely that Airbourne would do the same as the planes and parachutes would give the game away.

As Russ says, they are just a standard issue item, the British Army still uses them albeit in a slightly more modern form.

Whether people wore them depended how cold it was. Paras of course had their nice toasty berets so might have felt the need less, I tend to just jam my para helmet on top of my beret. A normal tommy pot sits quite neatly on a cap comforter.

Once commandos were allowed to wear berets, they seem to be a bit more popular than cap comforters. I've got a 43 dated one and it is as itchy as hell, a beret is far more comfy. Not having any hair probably doesn't help

Cheers
Martin

I need a better fitting (ie worse fitting and bigger) Denison smock. WPG, Spearhead and SoF work out about the same price after you factor in postage. Which is better and why?

SoF - One of the best repros currently available off the peg. If you want to be extra picky, change the shoulder strap buttons from the nasty sick-green ones to standard BD-type chocolate brown/dark brown "bracer" buttons.

What McVickers said, SoF actually got it right this time.

Cheers
Martin

OK. SoF Denison ordered, now next question:
I have an RAC helmet, airborne liner, chinstrap and the 4 bolts. Looking at pictures, I guess I need to drill holes about 1 inch in front of the rivets for the existing chinstrap, through the shell and the metal strip of the liner? At the rear, I am guessing that the holes are around the mid point of the additional padding of the liner (as trying it the fit would be best there)?