 |
|
| Additional Uniforms
Alright, those were the basics on clothing. Esssentially, that first page is everything you'd need to get a basic Army Soldier uniform going. It's versatile and, coupled with the right equipment, you will be able to portray just about every job the Army offered during the war. However, don't think the acquiring ends there.
The US Army issued the Herringbone Twill (HBT) uniforms, designed to be worn over the wool ensemble. However, there were times, especially when it was hot, where the G.I. would wear just this. So, these will work in lieu of wools, but it's best to get those instead.
The Army also issued the M1943 jacket in, well, 1943. However, a lot of the troops, especially those on the line, didn't really see this jacket until much later in the war. It's a great jacket compared to the M1941 jacket, but it's not something you'll want to wear at earlier war events.
| | |
HBT Cap |
HBT Shirt |
HBT Pants |
M43 Jacket |
 |
 |
 |
 |
G.I.s were also issued wool gloves, raincoats, and sweaters to keep warm and dry. Now, these items are hard to come by, and more difficult to find in your size. But, if you find them, snag them, especially the sweater. You'll thank me at 0830 on a Saturday morning in the back of a Halftrack on the way to the field. The raincoat wasn't very popular with the soldiers as it was stiff and didn't quite protect the neck. They usually opted to stick with the M43 jacket for rain protection (if they had it) or the poncho when it finally came out. WW2 Ponchos (not pictured) did not have hoods, so bear that in mind when shopping. The Wool Overcoat (also not pictured)
|
| |
Wool Gloves |
Raincoat |
Sweater |
Overcoat |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
Dress Uniforms
The last thing on your tally, but something you'll definitely want to get, are dress uniforms. Actually, with the wool uniform set, garrison cap, and russet boots, add the khaki (or black for earlier war) neck tie, and you have the Class B uniform. That's more than adequate for social functions when not in the field. For the Class A uniform, however, you would need to buy either the 4-pocket Dress Tunic or the Wool Field Jacket, aka "The Ike" Jacket.
| | |
4-Pocket Tunic |
The "Ike" Jacket |
 |
 |
It's not a common thing to have the chance to wear the Class As or even the Class B uniforms. There are only a few events per year that the unit finds itself in garrison at night. So, while I will not deter you from buying an Ike Jacket nor dissuade you to find the saucer-style Combination Cap (not pictured), I must mention that you will be spending money on items that you may wear once or twice a year (depending on the event and if you're odd enough to wear these around town on your own). If you have the money to get them including all the more important stuff, swell! It's always fun to look dapper when mixing with other reenactors.
And that's pretty much the gist of uniforms and clothes. Trust me, there are tons more to find and collect. HBT Coveralls, Tanker's Bibs, Overshoes, whatever. The list keeps going on. However, this will hold you down in this unit, and pretty much any other Army unit aside from airborne troops. Now let's move on to the Field Equipment the G.I.s used!
|
|
