Paras - Uniform, Kit and other Particulars

Dubbin was issued.

Which rear sight was normally used on No. 4s issued to the airborne?

Which rear sight was normally used on No. 4s issued to the airborne?

As far as I'm aware, it just depends when it was issued, rather than who it was issued to. I've seen photos of (British) Airborne with both the MkI/III/IV (difficult to tell them apart on most photos), types and the basic MkII 300/600 'flip' sight.

Sights were generally just simplified over the duration of the war to decrease production time and costs, rather than modified for specific troop usage, to my knowledge.

Right. Thanks

regrettably there is a massive difference at times between what things state on paper and the reality.

*on paper* boots were never bulled, brasses 'allowed to dull', blanco or boot polish applied as cam cream, the water bottle was carried in the pack and *on paper* nobody in the field should have had insignia on their BD and rank only was worn on one sleeve of a denison.

In reality every regiment had its perculiarities, every RSM his own pet loves and hates, and while you may have a bit of paper saying 'im not supposed to polish my boots to a bulled finish' if thats what an RSM wanted its what would have happened (im not suggesting they were bulled in the field , rather around lines even though they were not *supposed* to be.

By the time 37 pattern webbing had been designed, signed off and had a manual written for it as webbing for fast moving mechanised troops (nothing should have hung below the waist) the realities of war meant that it was barely adequate for what needed to be carried... for example, water bottles move to the hip, gas capes, groundsheets and other accoutrements were rolled up and strapped to belts and full size spades tucked behind small packs etc.

I think Dave is right that the term 'groundsheet' is just an old stores term and that in fact units just got whatever was to hand, either true groundsheets or capes but then , I've not seen many pics of airborne in the field wearing either. Clearly though kit does evolve but the stores/manual terms stay consistant for quite some time leading to some confusion.

Is it true that glider-borne paras often cut the 'coat tail' off their smocks? I'm sure I read somewhere that this was done, although I cannot for the life of me remember where (possibly one of the Osprey books). I ask because I've got a repro first pattern Denison smock and was considering doing something about the tail, seeing as I can't fasten it up.

Or should I just let it all hang out?

Is it true that glider-borne paras often cut the 'coat tail' off their smocks? I'm sure I read somewhere that this was done, although I cannot for the life of me remember where (possibly one of the Osprey books). I ask because I've got a repro first pattern Denison smock and was considering doing something about the tail, seeing as I can't fasten it up.

Or should I just let it all hang out?

I had a similar problem a while back. I solved it be tacking it inside the smock with a few stitches rather than making a permanent alteration.

I did the same. Sewn up because unless I jump out of a plane it's just gonna get in the way.

Or safety pin it, or popper it to one of the side adjusters. Can you be a Red Devil without a tail though?

Waiting for my helve and blade. Then my webbing is all complete. But I will be doing some Blanco-ing tomorrow eeep!

I just do it up as if I were jumping, between the legs. It's never caused me any problem whatsoever.

I just do it up as if I were jumping, between the legs. It's never caused me any problem whatsoever.

I considered that when I tried the ensemble on earlier today, but I doubted it would stay done up while bombing it through forest and bush! I'm gonna keep it undone on the skirmish on Sunday and see if it gets in the way any; I'll decide on what to do with it afterwards.

Cheers for the input, guys.

I considered that when I tried the ensemble on earlier today, but I doubted it would stay done up while bombing it through forest and bush!

It's supposed to stay buttoned when you are hit by a wind blast when jumping out of an airplane. I honestly doubt you can do anything during the skirmish that will unbutton it. I've done three skirmishes in Denison, two woodlands and one urban. It stayed safely buttoned all the time.

When Blanco-ing...dismantle the webbing or leave it assembled for the process?

Dismantle.
Dont do the bits that rub against uniforms. Dont do the rifle sling.

I was hoping you weren't going to say I had to dismantle it again haha Ah bugger...

Its good practice. You will want to adjust it if you ever battle in it. What works stood in the shed checking it out isnt always best out in the field.
You can mark the positions on the back of the belt with a pen or pencil. I have a couple that have marks on the back for parade and combat.

Good idea. I'll do that before dismantling the webbing!

It's supposed to stay buttoned when you are hit by a wind blast when jumping out of an airplane. I honestly doubt you can do anything during the skirmish that will unbutton it.

Good point.

It's supposed to stay buttoned when you are hit by a wind blast when jumping out of an airplane. I honestly doubt you can do anything during the skirmish that will unbutton it.

Good point.

I think a lot of people (including me) wear a smock that is probably a bit too short / small, which is why they come undone.