Paras - Uniform, Kit and other Particulars

Right...it might have to be a Mk2 with webbing chin cup but I'll have a look round and see what I can find.

Right...it might have to be a Mk2 with webbing chin cup but I'll have a look round and see what I can find.

I guess you're looking at SoF, perchance?

It's always a good place to START looking. Sometimes it's just easier...

I'd disagree slightly. The MkI is iconic for Normandy.
If you want the best helmet then there is only Pegasus.
There are some cheap copies that are really, REALLY bad. Shell is all wrong as are the fixing points for the chinstrap. Have a look at the IMA site for what not to buy.
SoF do a MkI? It's not great but with a net and scrim.....

It's always a good place to START looking. Sometimes it's just easier...

I wasn't knocking your choices of supplier, I was just musing on the fact that they do a "Mk2" helmet in kit form with a RAC helmet to convert with a leather chinstrap, but they only sell the ready-made "Mk2s" with webbing chinstraps, instead of providing people like yourself with a choice, and are thus forced to have a webbing chinstrap if its a Mk2 shell you're wanting

Pegasus do the MkII with leather if you are set on that version.
Pegasus helmets keep their value too.
Should the version with web straps not be a MkIII? You can't easily swap leather for web chin straps.

Well either way it's being netted and scrimmed so I may go for the MK1. I have been on Pegasus and the prices are a little higher. I'll have a think about whether I want to spend the extra £35 plus 4% plus p&p. Not sure really whether its worth it for something that is going to be festooned in hessian.

If you plan on wearing it for any amount of time then the extra will start to pay off. The quality of Pegasus is well worth the extra cash. I wear mine more than almost any other helmet. I've had it 10 years and its still going strong.
It is one extravagance you won't regret.

I may regret asking...

Blanco - What colour and how to apply it and with what?

KG3
www.blancoandbull.com

As poacher says, for late war, KG3.

Get the bottled stuff from Shoot & Scoot, vastly easier to put on.

Cheers
Martin

With Sponge or Brush would you suggest is easier?

I use a brush but I only use original blanco.

I use a cut down brush with the SnS stuff, as per Chommers suggestion on blanco and bull.

I usually soak the webbing in warm water beforehand, let it partially dry then paint the raw mixture on. It takes two coats on wet webbing but soaks in better an dprovides more even coverage imho.

Some people do the opposite and dilute the SnS blanco 50% and paint that on instead.

Whatever method you use, it is quite a messy process.

Cheers
Martin

Does the rank insignia go on the BD blouse as well as on the Denison? Right arm only on the Denison? Is it the same for the blouse? Or is it right AND left arm on the BD?

Both arms on the BD blouse.

Do your research with great care.
Know yourself what is right for your impression.
Its the details that can make or break it.
The Oxf&Bucks for instance, they wore NCO insignia on both arms of the denison.
The Oxford blue slip ons were also worn on the denison.
Research your chosen Battalion, there will be some little quirks.

Oh I know that there is some Battalion specific stuff which I will sort once I've got the basic look down. I have just worked out that unlike the US Army which use a single stripe for Private, British Army don't. So that saves money!

It's not on the original list that Yith wrote but...a toggle rope?

Yup, an option.

A thick one for airborne though... apparently... I'm ready to be shot down about that!