Airborne Uniforms

The uniform of the parachutist in WWII was similar in cut and appearance to those worn by other Commonwealth and British troops. A heavy wool blouse and trousers were the basic components of the standard issue uniform (known as BD for 'Battle Dress'). Shown in the picture to the below on the left is a reenactor wearing BD, with insignia of the RAMC. (Click on the pictures for a large size version.) BD was standardized in 1937. The original specs called for covered front buttons and pleated pockets on the blouse. In 1940 a new 'Economy Issue' or 'Utility Pattern' was released to make war-time production easier. This modification featured exposed buttons and un-pleated pockets on the blouse. The trousers also became simpler in 1940 modification, and lost the belt loops and cuff straps from the original '37 specs. Airborne troops often wore a modified version of the regular BD trousers, incorporating a larger billows pocket on the left thigh, a slit pocket for the fighting knife, and extra pockets on the rear for bandages. The BD could be replaced in tropical climates with a brown or tan breathable cotton uniform (known as KD), including shorts. This uniform was frequently worn in the North African and Italian campaigns. In the Burma theatre any number of locally-made green-dyed cotton uniforms were produced, cut in a pattern similar to the original wool BD. Wool Battle Dress (BD) Khaki Drill (KD) Jungle Green KD A soldier's unit was designated by a series of patches on the sleeves of the blouse. At the top of the sleeve, at or near the seam, were sewn the regimental patches. (Click on the pictures for a large size version.) For the parachute regiment these patches were originally white on maroon, but later changed to black/navy wording 'Parachute Regiment' on a light blue background. Canadian parachutists, glider pilots and supporting arms would wear their own regimental patch. To distinguish the battalion number within the Parachute Regiment a colored tab or lanyard was worn. A maroon tab was worn on the epaullettes by the 9th Battalion, and a yellow tab by the Canadian parachutists. If a soldier in the airborne division had qualified in the parachute role (as opposed to the glider borne role) they would wear a jump qualification badge below the regimental title on the right shoulder only. This badge has a white/tan winged parachute on a khaki background. Next came the divisional patch, or 'flash'. For both the 1st and 6th Airborne divisions (as well as their support units) this patch is the famous white/blue pegasus on a maroon backing. This symbol represents the Greek mythological figure Belleraphon riding Pegasus. Beneath the divisional patches were airborne titles. These served as 'arm of service' indicators. These were more often worn by supporting troops and glider troops, and later officially proscribed in the parachute regiments. For glider borne troops a small glider patch was worn at the cuff on the right sleeve. British 9th Bat. First Canadian Parachute Bat. Head gear for the parachutist in the field was a version of the airborne helmet, similar in appearance to those worn by armoured troops. While not in the field the headgear for the parachutist was the famous maroon beret, on which was attached the regimental cap badge. A winged parachute with a crown served as the badge for the parachute regiments. Canadian parachutists, glider borne troops, and supporting arms all wore their own unique badges based on their regiment or arm-of-service. Another piece of gear worn by airborne troops (along with infantry snipers and many regular troops) was the camouflaged face veil. Dyed green and brown, the face veil could be draped over the rifle or shoulders to help concealment. Paras are often shown with the face veil wrapped around their neck as a scarf. A cold-weather wool hat, called a cap comforter, was another piece of issued gear. The cap comforter was especially favoured by commandos before the general introduction of the green beret. Airborne troops wore a camouflaged oversmock called the Denison. This baggy, half-zip coat was made to button between the wearer's legs, keeping it tight against the body and away from the ropes during a decent. Two models were made, which differed in small details and color. The first pattern had a 'sand' color as the base of its camouflage. It had wool cuffs, and was cut very long. The second pattern was issued in 1944, and its base color was a deeper brown, designed for the terrain of Europe. The cut of the second pattern was also somewhat shorter, and used buttoned cuffs. Officers' models may have been converted to have a full-zip front and an addition of a higher quality lining in the collar. Later in the war the denison was also issued to some infantry snipers and occasionally worn by infantry officers who could acquire them. Underneath the Battle Dress a collarless wool shirt was worn. (Click on the pictures for a large size version.) Canadian Parachutist, Combat Uniform British Parachutists, Denison Smock Wool Shirt, ID Discs, Braces Canadian Parachutist, Denison & Beret Insignia Underneath all of these garments a string vest was often worn. Made of a woven string mesh, it was intended to provide the wearer with a layer of insulation next to the skin.One popular item of clothing worn by British and Commonwealth troops was the sleeve-less leather jerkin. The jerkin was a lined, water proof, thigh-length, front-buttoned leather vest. Some jerkins were constructed with camouflaging; versions may have a tag stating, "JERKIN, LEATHER No.2, CAMOUFLAGED". Leather Jerkin British soldiers were issued green khaki wool gloves, and several pairs of grey wool socks. All soldiers were issued several pairs of ammo boots. These black leather boots were solid and functional. Canadian-made boots lack a 'toe cap', or additional piece of leather stitched over the toe of the boot. Boots were laced in the 'ladder lace' style, not criss-crossed. Wool Gloves Wool Socks Ammo Boots Related Links What Price Glory (Preferred vendor for all uniform and equipment purchases.) Equipment of the Paras Weapons of the Paras Battle Dress Sizes