Item's that the Commandos used in WW11

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 05/04/2016 16:50:24

Hi Chaps
In this thread I will show you some of the items in my collection that I purchased over the years each item will have a brief description of what it is and who owned it if known some of these item you only see in pictures from WWII .
Due to the way the photos are done please do not make comments until you see the word finish after the last picture this way they are kept in order cheers Steve

The 1st item in this thread is a training example of the assault jerkin this example is 1943 dated and made by H S some of these where issued to regts in field trials in the Sicily campaign in 1943 shortly after its introduction they had sorted out its transgressions and made a good dark brown / chocolate brown ones which saw plenty of service with the commandos during WWII .
This example has had a minor modification to it of a zip to the right side inner pocket and its an unnamed example .

2nd pic

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 05/04/2016 00:10:26

3rd

4th pic

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 05/04/2016 00:05:11

5th pic

6th pic

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 05/04/2016 00:58:42

The 3rd most iconic bit of kit issued during WWII this was at the top of my most wanted items The dark / chocolate brown example made of a more sturdy canvas martial which was harder wearing basically the same front ammo pouches gas mask pouch side pouch and rear pack to the rear small pack and the entrenching tool [ E TOOL ] head pouch with the soft kit bit to the inside which is where the jumper would be kept as extra padding against the head knocking the lower back area .

Those who are wondering what the most iconic bit of commando equipment issued its got to be the fighting knife followed by the green beret which you will see some examples of later in this thread .

2 pic

3rd pic
this shows where the jumper would be kept and other soft kit section

The 1st pattern ammo pouch assault vest AKA bren vest
these where developed along side the main assault jerkin this example is 1943 dated and was designed for minor raids and bren gunners they have on the belt a spike bayonet frog section and nothing much easel .

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 05/04/2016 00:52:52

The 2nd pattern ammo pouch assault vest AKA bren vest these are made out of 2 sections and being fixed together with a string or shoe lace through eyelets this was to allow for extra room if needed for wear over smocks etc these seam to be always 1945 dated unlike the 1 st pattern of this type of vest dont seam to be seen in pictures from WWII .

In the next few posts we look at the twin mag pouch these where used 1st by the RAF then by the Commandos and by the airborne troops it formed Part of the RAF officers webbing equipment from 1925 by those who used the colt 1911 pistol here we see 2 example that have bee used by the army or commandos these are seen in most group pictures taken in the front line from WWII the 2nd one shown is mounted on a bit of 44 pattern webbing belt and then fixed to the holster by the top clip .

this example has had 2 holes put into the bottom of the pouch for the holster top clip to be fixed into it this adaption can bee seen in some commando images from WWII The pouch its self is 1943 dated and has always been attached to this holster note the color of the blancoe and its wear and tear matches they came in together .

In these 2 pics we see a 44 pattern bit of belt which has been stitched to the bottom of the pouch which would be fitted to the belt and have the holster hung from the bottom of the belt bit this adaption would be for the far east and mostly likely the R M commandos in Malaya or Borneo in the late 40's early 50's etc .