BATTLEDRESS
On their return from India in July 1940 the battalion would have adopted the battledress of the“home” army. 1937, 1940 and Austerity patterns of
battledress would have been worn by the battalion.
On their return from India in July 1940 the battalion would have adopted the battledress of the“home” army. 1937, 1940 and Austerity patterns of
battledress would have been worn by the battalion.
1937 Pattern Battledress
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1940 Pattern "Austerity" Battledress. Note the exposed buttons and lack of pleats.
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THE DENISON SMOCK
The Denison Smock, named after its designer Major Denison and first introduced for use by the personnel of the Airborne Forces in 1941, was a
camouflaged garment made from heavy-duty, windproof material. It was designed to be worn over a soldier's Battle-Dress suit. Webbing equipment was worn over the smock.
Within the 52nd the first Denison smocks were known as “Flying smocks” and were introduced during January 1943.
MAJOR R. J. HOWARD, D.S.O. commented in the Regimental War Chronicle Vol 3 1942-1944:-
“The value of the airborne smock was fully appreciated at all times, for its camouflage was excellent, both from the ground and air, and it was warm for night work and surprisingly rainproof.”
On page 41 of THE PEGASUS DIARIES, by John Howard & Penny Bates he went on:-
“I took a great liking to mine, finding it both comfortable and very warm, wearing it long after the war was over when I was gardening”
There are two common patterns that were issued and worn during the war. These were the 1st and 2nd patterns.
The 52nd wore for the most part the 1st Pattern Smock although some 2nd Pattern smocks were being worn within the battalion at the time of Operation Varsity in March 1945 and beyond.
The only badges worn on the smock were badges of rank of the normal pattern. There is evidence to suggest that NCOs of the battalion wore their badges of rank on both sleeves of the smock whereas it was normal practice to be worn on the right arm only.
Worn on the epaulettes of the smock were Oxford (dark) blue slip on sleeves which were an early form of the modern day DZ (Drop Zone) Flashes and TRFs (Tactical Recognition Flash) worn to identify the wearers unit in battle. However these are seldom seen in photos as apparently they very easily became detached and lost.
The Denison Smock, named after its designer Major Denison and first introduced for use by the personnel of the Airborne Forces in 1941, was a
camouflaged garment made from heavy-duty, windproof material. It was designed to be worn over a soldier's Battle-Dress suit. Webbing equipment was worn over the smock.
Within the 52nd the first Denison smocks were known as “Flying smocks” and were introduced during January 1943.
MAJOR R. J. HOWARD, D.S.O. commented in the Regimental War Chronicle Vol 3 1942-1944:-
“The value of the airborne smock was fully appreciated at all times, for its camouflage was excellent, both from the ground and air, and it was warm for night work and surprisingly rainproof.”
On page 41 of THE PEGASUS DIARIES, by John Howard & Penny Bates he went on:-
“I took a great liking to mine, finding it both comfortable and very warm, wearing it long after the war was over when I was gardening”
There are two common patterns that were issued and worn during the war. These were the 1st and 2nd patterns.
The 52nd wore for the most part the 1st Pattern Smock although some 2nd Pattern smocks were being worn within the battalion at the time of Operation Varsity in March 1945 and beyond.
The only badges worn on the smock were badges of rank of the normal pattern. There is evidence to suggest that NCOs of the battalion wore their badges of rank on both sleeves of the smock whereas it was normal practice to be worn on the right arm only.
Worn on the epaulettes of the smock were Oxford (dark) blue slip on sleeves which were an early form of the modern day DZ (Drop Zone) Flashes and TRFs (Tactical Recognition Flash) worn to identify the wearers unit in battle. However these are seldom seen in photos as apparently they very easily became detached and lost.
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1st Pattern Smock
First pattern smocks featured a half zip going to the base of the chest, two internal pockets, four external pockets which were secured with brass press studs which were made by the Newey Company. On the back was a "Tail" which hung down while not between the legs as there were no press studs in the rear. The sleeves were larger at the arm and elbow and then tapered to the wrist and had wool cuff sewn to them. Two shoulder straps were secured by the same plastic buttons found on the Battledress. When the tail was worn between the legs it was secured by a series of brass press studs manufactured by Newey. There were three rows of two press studs. This was to accommodate for the size and comfort of the wearer. Two waist adjuster press studs are also found, one on each side which can be worn either snapped or unsnapped. |
1st Pattern Smock. Note the knitted cuffs
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2nd Pattern Smock
The 2nd pattern like the 1st was non-reversible and windproof though not waterproof. Second patterns usually had brass half zips whereas the first pattern had the half steel zip. Air holes were sewn underneath each arm pit for ventilation. A "Tail" was sewn to the back which could also be worn between the legs like the 1st pattern but the 2nd pattern had press studs on the lower back allowing the tail to be secured and worn up. This is one of the big differences between the two patterns. Second Patterns were of a similar cut to the first, featuring a half zip front. Yet the sleeves of the 2nd pattern were of a looser fit and not tapered to the wrist like the 1st. The 2nd patterns also had in place of the wool cuffs a wrist tab and three buttons which allowed the cuff area to be tightened or worn loosely. |
2nd Pattern Smock. Note the button cuffs
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