When initially setting out to buy your uniform and equipment it’s important to concentrate on getting the basic’s first. It’s all too easy to want to buy everything right away and end up with a lot of sub-standard kit. If in doubt ask, that’s why we have uniform advisors and all are only too willing to help new guys out. I’ve compiled a list of the most important kit first and then the more exotic of items that you’ll need further down the line.
First on the list should be your boots; Boots, jumper, parachute to be precise. These may not be the only footwear you require but they are vital to your initial impression. We only use proper reproduction Jump boots made by Corcoran who were the most famous manufacturer of these during the war and were based in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Like most things on this list we’ll give you full details of where to buy them and the cost involved. We get a discount from most suppliers which is a bit of a help when you’re first starting off.
The next things to buy are your HBT’s (Herring bone twill) shirt and trousers. Ideally we’d like you to try and buy originals but we realize that this may not be an option if you take a larger size. Always look on Ebay as you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find, if unsuccessful we’ll tell you where to buy good reproductions in the correct colour.
Please see the close up details of these original Hbt trousers and take note of the correct type of enlisted mans trouser belt you should endeavor to purchase.
Next thing on the list is your M41 Jacket with Rangers diamond sewn on the left hand sleeve. The patch should be approximately 1 inch from the top of the sleeve. We use M41 second pattern field jackets which differs from the first pattern in as much as it has no flap pockets and has adjustable hip and cuff tabs. Although you may be able to track down an original one of these jackets it’s highly unlikely and you generally see them in very small sizes.
The second pattern with its new modifications came into general use in the spring of 1941 and as well as the already mentioned more visible modifications it had a looser weave flannel lining for additional warmth. It was also cut slightly different and was a bit roomier than its predecessor and was modified with extra material under the arms so it wouldn’t ride up when the arms were raised. This has got to be the most widely used jacket by people who reenact U.S. Army units of WW2 and was the most prolifically issued U.S. jacket of this period.
The colours vary from tan to a slight green tinge and I prefer the latter but I’ve seen original jackets in all sorts of colour variations. Advice will be given where to purchase these jackets and we generally like to use the same source for reasons of uniformity. A small foot note on the M41’s is that they were occasionally decorated with drawings or painting by the owners, we would discourage this practice as again uniformity is the key to a professional impression. The Rangers insignia on this jacket can be purchased from various sources and the quality doesn’t differ that much. You can try and find an original but there’s lot of fakes out there in the marketplace. I would advise new guys to ask the uniform advisors where to buy the diamonds as you don’t want to end up with a substandard one that glows in the dark.
Headgear
Probably one of the most important pieces of equipment to a soldier was his M1 Helmet. Not only used to protect, it’s often used to wash in and in some cases cook in. We only use original front-seam helmets with tan straps in Normandy44 and either fixed or swivel loops are expectable although fixed loops are preferred. All helmets are painted by hand by our resident artist.
Your other important piece of headgear is your Garrison Cap. It’s worn around the camp when you’re not wearing your helmet and also as part of your dress uniform. The cap should be piped in Blue which denotes Infantry. Here’s an example!
Original examples can be purchased on Ebay but be careful about the condition and make sure you get the right size. Both the early rounded edge Garrison Cap and the later square shape are expectable.