Basic Kit
At present, the group focuses on representing an airborne unit that is either in combat, or in training in the run up to it. This means that we are as standard in combat gear. The combat gear of the airborne is what provides the unique and fascinating image, primarily that of the camoflage denison smock and maroon beret. Below is a list of essential equipment you will need in order to begin doing public displays with us, everything else, including weapons and webbing can be borrowed. We do hope as the group grows to keep spares of some equipment seen below that can be borrowed to get people started.
Altering gear to fit the period
As a rule we use either original equipment or purpose made high quality reproductions, however, it is possible to convert or alter later period equipment at times to create the desired effect for less money. In general we would not recommend doing this, but it does have its place and when done correctly will work well. The simple rule in our group is if you can make it look exactly as it should, then thats fine, if its going to look only mostly right, don't bother, save your money for the right kit.
Denison Smock
This is the camoflage smock worn by all British airborne forces. It is not recommended that you use originals as they are few and far between as well as very expensive. There are however excellent replicas in production. Both the 1st and 2nd patterns are acceptable. The differences are that the 1st have wollen jumper style cuffs whereas the 2nd have button cuffs, and the 2nd has additional buttons that allow the tail to be buttoned on the back. Proportionally, based on research, 60-70% of airborne forces of the period had the 1st pattern, therefore that is the better bet.
There are postwar examples available as well as Belgian copies, both of which can often cost less than the replicas, however, they are absolutely not suitable for WW2 re-enactment, as they have more differences to the war examples than can be rectified.
Boots - ammo, leather soled, with toe cap and heel/toe plates. Hobnails aren't essential, they weren't always worn, but are ideal. Later DMS boots which have rubber soles are not acceptable. Laces should be leaher and ladder laced, not crossed. Uppers should be pebbled, not smooth (as many modern drill versions are).
Gaiters - standard British gaiters, most people will want size 4-5.
Veil/Scrim - Worn as standard around the neck, this is a two colour camo scrim net. (brown and green) They are cheap and iconic for the airborne troops, they also hide whatever you are wearing underneath the denison smock and therefore save you buying a repro shirt for a while.
Trousers - 37 or 40 pattern, or para jump trousers. The jump trousers were made specifically for the airborne forces but evidence suggests no more than 50% had them, therefore you can wear them or standard BD trousers. The difference is simply that the airborne trousers have an enlarged front pocket that is lined and they also have a hidden knife pocket.. You will want one size larger than you typically wear in jeans, as you wear them much higher.
If you instead opt for the BD trousers, as were standard for infantry, the 40 pattern is the cost cutting version of the 37 pattern made at a time of need, though the differences are minor, either will do. Canadian BD's are also acceptable, as many tried to acquire them as Canada made the best quality and least itchy wool BD's of the war (due to lack of production restrictions). However, the post war Canadian trousers feature an additional knee pad, which cannot be easily removed are are therefore not acceptable.
Beret - the WW2 types were much larger than modern so be sure to get the WW2 version, such as sold by soldier of fortune one. You will also need a cap badge, of the correct period, of either para or air landing, talk to us about which is best at the time. Badge should have two rings and a horizontal bar, not the vertical slide.
Altering gear to fit the period
As a rule we use either original equipment or purpose made high quality reproductions, however, it is possible to convert or alter later period equipment at times to create the desired effect for less money. In general we would not recommend doing this, but it does have its place and when done correctly will work well. The simple rule in our group is if you can make it look exactly as it should, then thats fine, if its going to look only mostly right, don't bother, save your money for the right kit.
Denison Smock
This is the camoflage smock worn by all British airborne forces. It is not recommended that you use originals as they are few and far between as well as very expensive. There are however excellent replicas in production. Both the 1st and 2nd patterns are acceptable. The differences are that the 1st have wollen jumper style cuffs whereas the 2nd have button cuffs, and the 2nd has additional buttons that allow the tail to be buttoned on the back. Proportionally, based on research, 60-70% of airborne forces of the period had the 1st pattern, therefore that is the better bet.
There are postwar examples available as well as Belgian copies, both of which can often cost less than the replicas, however, they are absolutely not suitable for WW2 re-enactment, as they have more differences to the war examples than can be rectified.
Boots - ammo, leather soled, with toe cap and heel/toe plates. Hobnails aren't essential, they weren't always worn, but are ideal. Later DMS boots which have rubber soles are not acceptable. Laces should be leaher and ladder laced, not crossed. Uppers should be pebbled, not smooth (as many modern drill versions are).
Gaiters - standard British gaiters, most people will want size 4-5.
Veil/Scrim - Worn as standard around the neck, this is a two colour camo scrim net. (brown and green) They are cheap and iconic for the airborne troops, they also hide whatever you are wearing underneath the denison smock and therefore save you buying a repro shirt for a while.
Trousers - 37 or 40 pattern, or para jump trousers. The jump trousers were made specifically for the airborne forces but evidence suggests no more than 50% had them, therefore you can wear them or standard BD trousers. The difference is simply that the airborne trousers have an enlarged front pocket that is lined and they also have a hidden knife pocket.. You will want one size larger than you typically wear in jeans, as you wear them much higher.
If you instead opt for the BD trousers, as were standard for infantry, the 40 pattern is the cost cutting version of the 37 pattern made at a time of need, though the differences are minor, either will do. Canadian BD's are also acceptable, as many tried to acquire them as Canada made the best quality and least itchy wool BD's of the war (due to lack of production restrictions). However, the post war Canadian trousers feature an additional knee pad, which cannot be easily removed are are therefore not acceptable.
Beret - the WW2 types were much larger than modern so be sure to get the WW2 version, such as sold by soldier of fortune one. You will also need a cap badge, of the correct period, of either para or air landing, talk to us about which is best at the time. Badge should have two rings and a horizontal bar, not the vertical slide.
Additional Standard Issue Equipment
Here is a list of equipment on top of what was listed above that was issued to the airborne forces, none you will need to get started, some you will buy as you go along, some of it you will never need but might want.
Braces - unless your trousers fit well or you have 37 pattern (which have belt loops), you will likely want to get braces as soon as you buy your trousers. They should be non-elastic white British issue braces. Later elasticated versions are acceptable providing you colour them to white, which can be done with trainer whitner.
Collarless shirt - The standard base layer, a wool shirt, must be collarless with no pockets and buttons only half way down, therefore being a throw over design. Some people convert later shirts to resemble these, but sadly the area where the front pockets used to be will always show as being a different colour. These modified shirts are acceptable providing you are not see by the public without a jumper, BD blouse or Denison over the top, which covers up the pocket areas.
Helmet
The airborne wore a unique helmet that fetch a lot of money second hand, as opposed to British infantry helmets which are cheap and easy to find. Fortunately, the shell is the same as worn by the RAC (Royal Armoured Corp), and several companies manufacture the liners and straps to convert and RAC helmet to a jump helmet. You can also buy these pre-made from a couple of different companies in the UK. You want the leather straps, not later canvas ones, fibre rim is optional as only the first pattern had it.
String vest / cotton t-shirt - worn under the shirt for additional warmth, also nice for the extreme hot weather when you are relaxing at camp and don't want the denison on. The string vests were more common than the t-shirts, but most find the look quite shocking, its your choice here.
V-neck jumper - A woolen jumper often worn under the denison smock, over the shirt. This can be a nice item to keep you warm without the bulk and cost of a BD blouse.
BD Blouse - This is what you see the infantry wearing in combat, the standard issue woolen jacket. These were issued to the airborne to wear when on base as dress/walking out uniform, as well as under the denison in cold weather. We currently have no use for these, but a time may come when we do, they should have all the correct insignia on sleeves. 37 or 40 pattern is acceptable.
Braces - unless your trousers fit well or you have 37 pattern (which have belt loops), you will likely want to get braces as soon as you buy your trousers. They should be non-elastic white British issue braces. Later elasticated versions are acceptable providing you colour them to white, which can be done with trainer whitner.
Collarless shirt - The standard base layer, a wool shirt, must be collarless with no pockets and buttons only half way down, therefore being a throw over design. Some people convert later shirts to resemble these, but sadly the area where the front pockets used to be will always show as being a different colour. These modified shirts are acceptable providing you are not see by the public without a jumper, BD blouse or Denison over the top, which covers up the pocket areas.
Helmet
The airborne wore a unique helmet that fetch a lot of money second hand, as opposed to British infantry helmets which are cheap and easy to find. Fortunately, the shell is the same as worn by the RAC (Royal Armoured Corp), and several companies manufacture the liners and straps to convert and RAC helmet to a jump helmet. You can also buy these pre-made from a couple of different companies in the UK. You want the leather straps, not later canvas ones, fibre rim is optional as only the first pattern had it.
String vest / cotton t-shirt - worn under the shirt for additional warmth, also nice for the extreme hot weather when you are relaxing at camp and don't want the denison on. The string vests were more common than the t-shirts, but most find the look quite shocking, its your choice here.
V-neck jumper - A woolen jumper often worn under the denison smock, over the shirt. This can be a nice item to keep you warm without the bulk and cost of a BD blouse.
BD Blouse - This is what you see the infantry wearing in combat, the standard issue woolen jacket. These were issued to the airborne to wear when on base as dress/walking out uniform, as well as under the denison in cold weather. We currently have no use for these, but a time may come when we do, they should have all the correct insignia on sleeves. 37 or 40 pattern is acceptable.
