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For information on uniform for North Africa, Italy, and Pacific theatres, clickhere.

Infantryman's ETO 1944-5 uniform

This is a listing of the acceptable uniform for ETO events. All variations must be approved by the unit leader.

Ammo boots:

Black pebble- grain, cap toe, leather sole with hobnails and toe and heel plates were standard issue for line infantry. Boots without toe caps were issued to some Canadian units.


Ammo boots

Historical note: Anecdotal evidence has some 50th Division troops wearing waders for the D-Day invasion. May be a nice touch for a D-Day event on the beach, but not for anything after that.

Socks:

Gray wool. Socks are available at most sporting goods and surplus stores.

Anklets:

British or Commonwealth web anklets, blancoed or unblancoed.

Trousers, Battledress Serge:

P37/ 40, P40, or US War Aid patterns: Must have map pocket on left thigh and field dressing pocket near right hip. British BD brown color preferred, or Canadian green acceptable.

  • Pattern 37/ 40 has fly-fronted buttons on thigh pocket and back pocket, three belt loops buttoned at top, three outside buttons around the waist to fasten blouse and trousers, straps to tighten trouser legs before fitting the web anklets, and gunmetal or brass buttons.
  • P40 "Austerity" or "Economy" pattern have all buttons visible, belt loops and ankle straps are phased out, two waist buttons instead of three, and cup- shaped plastic buttons (some trousers retained metal fly buttons)
  • War Aid Pattern: all buttons visible, four belt loops buttoned at the top, three waist buttons to fasten to blouse, no straps at lower leg, plastic buttons of the American uniform pattern.

    Greek or European surplus of these patterns acceptable, or respectable reproductions as they come available.

    It is suggested that original British Battledress be reserved for walking out uniform. Pattern 49 trousers converted by the addition of the first field dressing pocket acceptable.

    Blouse, Battledress Serge:

    P37/ 40, P40 economy/ austerity, War Aid patterns. British BD brown color preferred, or Canadian green acceptable.

  • P37/ 40: all buttons fly- fronted (except shoulder straps), pleated chest pockets, two inside pockets, strip of cotton cloth on the inside with three buttonholes to fasten to Battledress, nickel-plated wire waist tab buckle

    P37/40 blouse
  • P40: Widely issued after 1943. All buttons apparent, patch breast pockets, two inside pockets or one in later models, two button holes instead of three at the waist, waist tab buckle made of dull pressed steel with slide

    P40 blouse
  • War Aid: front buttons fly fronted, apparent pocket buttons, patch breast pockets, two inside pockets, strip of cotton cloth on the inside with three buttonholes to fasten to Battledress, British pressed metal waist tab buckle, or US Army pattern trouser belt buckle.
    Greek or European surplus of these patterns acceptable, or approved reproductions.
    It is suggested that original British Battledress be reserved for walking out uniform.

    Denim Overalls:

    may be worn as substitute for, or over, wool Battledress

    Shirt:

    flannel, green, collarless. Converted Canadian collarless shirt acceptable.

    Insignia

    The following insignia is authorized for all members:

  • Green Howards shoulder title
  • Twin T's divisional patch

    50th Division patch
  • 1 scarlet branch of service stripe

    Layout of insignia:

  • shoulder title just below shoulder seam on both sleeves
  • Divisional badge 51 mm below inner curve of shoulder title
  • branch stripe to be 6.5 mm high, and 51 mm wide, set 9.5 mm below divisional patch. All to be centered on sleeve.

    Rank insignia:

    to be worn only by those authorized by unit leader and in accordance with club bylaws.

    Proficiency/trade badges:

    (i.e., Bren gunner, Radio operator, etc.) to be worn only by those who have qualified following the King's Regulations to wear them, and only if serving in that capacity for the unit.

    Medals and awards:

    In the ETO some soldiers who earned the Africa Star wore the appropriate medal ribbon on their BD. Upon attendance of a unit-agreed number of North Africa or Italian scenario battle events, the wear of the appropriate ribbon (or ribbons) on walking out dress may be authorized.
    Valor medals of any kind are not authorized for wear, unless actually earned in active service by the individual. Wearing of Victoria Cross is grounds for ejection from unit.

    Insignia on denim blouse:

    Officer rank and divisional titles may be worn on slip-on shoulder tabs. NCO rank to be worn on an arm band, and not sewn onto denims.

    Headgear

    Soft cap:

    Field Service cap or General Service cap are both appropriate, to be worn tilted well over to the right. King's Crown version of Green Howards hat badge may be worn on both caps, with or without a green felt backing.

    Helmet:

    The following helmets are acceptable for 1944 ETO. Early style spring chin strap preferred. Net with hessian scrim recommended.

  • MkI*
  • MkII
  • MkIII

    Other uniform items

    Cardigan sweater:


    Cardigan sweater

    British or Commonwealth issue. Private purchase sweaters if approved by unit leaders. No insignia to be worn on sweater, except for slip-on shoulder tags if appropriate.

    Underwear:

    Flannel knee length, or full length, are specified according to regulations. OD boxers were also issued. White, brown, or OD boxers acceptable. White cotton or flannel vests were issued. Brown or OD t-shirts acceptable.

    Camouflage veil:

    Brown and green mesh. No post-war solid green veils. Useful for camouflage, and to prevent chafing of the neck when worn as a scarf.

    Greatcoat, dismounted:

    Double- breasted, to be fitted with brass buttons bearing the Royal Arms. Only insignia on coat to be rank insignia and a single branch of service stripe.

    Leather Jerkin:


    These were also issued and liked by the troops as they provided warmth while being less cumbersome than the greatcoat.


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