uniform regulations

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Quick intrenching tool question; is it only original British Pattern 39 spades that are permitted, or are similar looking models okay?

To reinforce what Simon said above... The regs do back this up... They state:

"The only acceptable types of webbing water bottle carriers are the standard CRUCIFORM variety (with the brass snap fastener on the top of the cradle next to the neck of the bottle). The WW2 Tommy Book (Brayley/Ingram) implies that another form of cruciform carrier was in use by the BEF but this appears to be the Royal Navy 1919 pattern carrier (with the brass snap fastener on the cross of the cruciform – this pattern of carrier was also used by the Canadians). There are plenty of pictures of the standard water bottle cradle in use by the BEF and it is advised to stick to this type."

Just to clarify... The regs state we use the standard carrier which fastens with a snapper to the top of the bottle by the neck... NOT the version which has snuck into reenactment forelore with the snap on the front...

In relation to the 39 pattern entrenching tool... I suggest if we're carrying them we do indeed carry the actual ones rather than 'similar to'... They are available... Any other thoughts or ideas on this?

I have to admit I am in two minds about carrying mine next year... They're a pain in the arse.

Fair enough, looking at mine again I can see that the handle is quite different in shape anyway.

Excellent stuff, my apologies as I missed that Pete!

That Tommy book is a clear indicator of how one minor anomaly can set an incorrect precedent...

Exactly so,the exact story as it's been relayed to me by a fellow exasperated re-enactor who was involved the chaps organising the photo shoots picked up a 1938 dated carrier at Sabre Sales, a 1919 pattern, assuming from the date that it was early 1937 pattern and carriers must have had the press stud on the front and that's the reason behind it.

As far as E-tools go i can assure you from 2 previous marches that they are indeed a pain in the ass...or at least the knee. bring them by all means but be prepared to ditch them witht he kit if needed. Some guys managed it but I ended up with just the carrier on my belt and the shovel left behind.

As for unit. Last time we all had different cap badges but the rest of the uniform was identical between us. The only time I saw cap badges was on the ferry over, and on the way back. The rest of the time it was helmets, as should be the case. In helmets we all looked as one unit so I'm easy on what unit you actually represent in your head and capbadge, as from the start to finish we'll allbe working as one unit and it will feel like one unit.

Just watched "Dunkirk" and at least one of the actors has a 1919 pattern style water bottle carrier!

Has anyone tried the various repro pea green blanco available from sof and Steve kiddle? Having tried both I prefer kiddles but was wondering what the general consensus was?

I have seen those products online but never used them. I go the Tarrago shoe cream method myself. Very easy to work with and makes your kit smell "morning fresh".

Used the SOF stuff, goes on ok on original webbing but you need a 2nd coat for repro stuff....also to do a full set needs more than one bottle, im on my 3rd!

Hi,

Any chance of sending me a copy of the uniform regs?

I'm pretty sure I have everything but it would be nice to check and make sure.

rich888@live.co.uk

Cheers

Richard

Sent Rich...

From BEF General Routine Orders No.317 (From the QM Maintenance 1939 Diary)





Apologies for the odd angles. The National Archive don't allow the taking apart of files for copying.

Also a nice snippet about positioning the badge on an F.S. Cap :-

Dear All...

For helmet colour, use this in SATIN...

http://www.e-paint.co.uk/BS381%20Colourchart.asp

Service brown in satin... No 499