From Newbie to Battledress (Pt.1) - A WW2 British Kit Project - Preparation & Kit
This is the first of a two part video testimony of a great Lockdown adventure.
Part 2 can be found here: • From Newbie to Battled...
WW2 British Uniform & Equipment Display.
As a Collector and shooter of mainly British Military Surplus Rifles I’ve, over the years, picked up a few bits and pieces of related British militaria. A bit of webbing here, a bit of clothing there but my main interest remained on the rifles. As such my general knowledge of Service equipment and kit was quite marginal.
During the Great Lockdown of 2020 I was faced with a dilemma. The ranges were closed. We weren’t allowed out. Pubs were closed and even the cats started to hate me. I needed a hobby. Something to keep me busy. That’s when I had the idea of taking what kit I had and try to make a full WW2 British display and who knows maybe even look at doing some reenacting in the future.
I decided to go for my Grandad’s regiment. He served in the 9th (2nd City of London) battalion Royal Fusiliers and saw action in the Mediterranean & Middle East. The bug then took hold and I decided to expand this to including to sets: North West European Theater & the Med & Middle East. Trouble was that I would need one set of blancod webbing (NEW) and one the lighter, or un-blancod webbing (M&ME). That’s where my eBay adventure began. It also began a very interesting and fun study programme learning about aspects I had never looked at before.
A massive grovelling apology to Richard from the VMGCR who’s patients I really tested with my incessant questions... luckily I wasn’t within punching distance. The guy really is a genius.
/ vmgcra
One of the best sources of webbing information during this project came from the KZread channel ‘Rifleman More’ and and I while I know I drove Richard from the Vickers MG Collection & Research Association up the wall with my non-stop questions this project would have not been possible without his help. I also found some great info on how to apply blanco from probably the best channel on the web ‘Bloke on The Range’. I also found Brian L. Davis’s book ‘British Army Uniforms & Insignia of WW2’ was extremely helpful (thanks for the tip Richard). Also a shout out to Tom for being a great chap...
The result is not perfect and probably full of errors. As this is my first time attempting this I’m looking forward to taking your feedback and making improvements. For those who just fancy a bit of trolling then have fun, it’s all part of the game, although be it known that your Mother was a hamster and your Father smelt of elderberries.
The equipment is mostly original apart from a few bits and pieces. The uniform is mostly reproduction but with a smattering of original kit. My aim is to slowly replace the repro with original. I eventually want this to be 100% original.
This has been a fun project and whilst there is still much to be learnt I sure know more than I did yesterday.
Check out these great channels from the real experts to really get into the details not covered in my Video:
Rifleman Moor: / riflemanmoore
Bloke on the Range: / @blokeontherange
Vickers MG Collection & Research Association: / @vickersmg
British Muzzle Loaders: / britishmuzzleloaders
KerkeeWeb: www.karkeeweb.com/
Blanco & Bull: www.blancoandbull.com/blanco-...
Пікірлер: 18
Oh the slippery slope of Historical Shooting. Nice work, Kev.
@kevinofishero
4 жыл бұрын
britishmuzzleloaders Thanks for the kind words mate 😎
@britishmuzzleloaders
4 жыл бұрын
@@kevinofishero I'm looking forward to it's use on the range. Maybe a commemorative shoot or something.
@kevinofishero
4 жыл бұрын
britishmuzzleloaders As my biggest intention is to learn please let me know how to improve on my first attempt (here in video 2) kzread.info/dash/bejne/c5ui29Oagdeodrg.html 🤓
Great video
I have a 303 british enfield that has all matching serial numbers. It is so fun to use!
Very cool
For the past 5 years I’ve been portraying an 101st military police staff Sargent. That aside I’d like to change that up to 12th Corps CMP to which my grandfather served 6 years in WW2. Seems it can be done reasonably cheap
Great clip. Yes the shades were often different because of the different manufacturers once full production started. My father said the same thing (Australian Army WWII). Plus there's a WWII US Film shot in 1942 showing Woman joining the U.S. Army (Woman's Auxiliary Army Corps or WAAC) made in colour and their Olive Drab (OD) uniforms are also in different shades. Also through service they would fade, so having a mismatch is still accurate in a sense, but matching ones still look nice. Great work getting all the items and 'Blankoing'. Have fun.
Unfortunately I don't have an F.A.C but like you I'm obssesed with both my grandads ww2 service and there brothers (also a sister) so I collect de activated lee enfield rifles and kit I've got so fat an RAF regiment gunners uniform and a glider pilot circa arnhem 44.
A slight correction as to the naming of the different patterns of batteldress. The 1937 pattern is correctly known as battledress Serge, the pattern that flowed was 1940 pattern and the last wartime pattern was known as the 1940 utility pattern. With regards to webbing the small pack was known as the haversack, the large pack just pack and ammunition pouches basic pouches. Alsoapply Blanco to the anclets. By Italy I would suggest that the Mk6 or Mk7 respirator haversack would have been used with the GSR but I am not certain. Aside from getting the names of things incorrect, which is a pritty common mistake it is a good start Well done.
@kevinofishero
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate... the whole idea of the project was to learn. Your comments are most welcome 😎
@WWIIUK
4 жыл бұрын
Glad to be of service keep up the good work
@kevinofishero
4 жыл бұрын
WWIIUK an interesting thing about recreating the Italian scene is that I can’t find any photographic evidence of gas kit being worn at all. Maybe this is due to the diminished gas threat mid war?
@WWIIUK
4 жыл бұрын
There does seem to be an element of assessing the risk of gas attacks before an operation takes place. Some photographs of the initial invasion of Sicily shows troops are carrying Mk2 Respirator, Anti-Gas, Light (the first time they are issued). Because there was a perceived threat of the use of gas as a countermeasure to the landings. It is likely once the threat had passed the Respirators would have been seen as dead weight and relegated to troop transport. Not many other items of Anti Gas equipment seem to be used at this point apart from the Cape, Anti Gas. Which see periodic use as waterproofs both officially and unofficially, There are numerous Army Council Instructions on there uses as such.
Where do you buy this ww2 brtish gear?
@kevinofishero
3 ай бұрын
Original kit from various sources such as eBay and antique dealers 😊