Weapons
There should be no problems with de-acivated, blank firing or legally held firearms for this trip. Confirmation is however being obtained from the French authorities, and will be posted here when available.
However, a commonsense approach would suggest that all weapons are collected together for safe transport and storage when not in use, and copies of relevant certificates are taken on the trip.
WWII, British only please. All tentage and other (visible!) equipment in camp to be of the period, and especially no modern vehicles will be allowed on camp. Alternative parking close by is available. there will be a sack at camp HQ for modern kit "found" during camp opening periods.
Shirt Sleeve Dress
Battledress, trousers, less blouse-jerkin must not be worn
BattleDress
Battledress, trousers and blouse
Cold Weather/Winter Dress
Battledress, trousers, blouse with optional jerkin/great coat. Camouflage windproof smock and trousers must not be worn – they are inappropriate for this date.
Walking Out Dress
G.S Beret with cap badge, battle dress trousers and blouse.
In public
Blouse to be closed at neck, belt gaiters and boots. Cap badge, boots and brasses to be polished.
Weapons
Lee Enfield No 4 Mk1, Sten Mk11, or Bren MK1. Side arms must not be worn on webbing.
Helmet (if worn)
MK11 with medium mesh net. Hessian cover and scrim.
Webbing:
All 37 pattern with brass furniture. All webbing, including weapon slings, must be blancoed with No 3 (dark green) blanco (not chin straps). Items must not be sellotaped to webbing, i.e: whistles, torches etc.
Skeleton Order:
Lightweight respirator bag (on hanging strap over left hip), belt, cross-straps, ammo pouches, water bottle (on right hip) entrenching tool (centre) and spike bayonet, if rifleman (left hip).
Battle Order:
As above but additionally small pack (worn on L-strap not slung).
Gaiters:
With either leather or canvas straps but no puttees
Blouse:
British made "37" or "40" pattern battledress blouse. Collar must not be "faced". Must be original or approved exact reproduction.
Trousers:
Original or 49" pattern or exact reproductions may be worn but must have thigh pocket repositioned, field dressing, pocket added, belt loops and waist adjusters removed.
Boots:
Dubbined for private battles, but polished for public shows. Must be correct WW11 pattern ammo boots with toe cap, leather soles, heel and toe irons with black leather laces. Hob nails are optional as these were not always added. DMS or work boots are not permitted.
Shirt:
Must be either an original or an approved exact reproduction of the khaki wool collarless issue shirt. No other types permitted including converted post war types.
Insignia:
1944 pattern regimental or corps shoulder titles. For example, “Royal Corps of Signals”, not “Royal Signals”! Do your research or ask advice.
Appropriate arm of service strips, for example scarlet for infantry, blue/white for signals, red/blue for artillery.
Rank and trade badges by unit arrangement.
We may be able to help with the provision of insignia where participants don't already have it.
Jerkin: (optional)
Brown leather, full length with matching buttons. No post-war PVC types to be worn.
Cape: (optional)
Green late war or 50's green groundsheet. To be carried folded under the small pack flap.
Greatcoat: (optional)
Any type of British manufacture except officer double-breasted versions. No insignia except rank chevrons on both sleeves. Anodised buttons should be replaced with correct WW11 buttons, brass or plastic.
Beret:
G.S. Beret with cap badge. (No side hats or felt berets).
Braces:
White canvas with leather tabs 1 1/2" wide.
Face Veil: Green or cammo scrim net.
Gloves/Scarf: Green or khaki wool.
Pullover: Tan/khaki wool V-neck. Only to be worn under the battledress (if at all).
Jack Knife: For private battles worn on lanyard around waist and for Public Shows around the left shoulder, with knife in left breast pocket.
Mess Kit: British army mess tins, enamel mug (either brown or white).
Bandoliers: British army cotton bandoliers, normally used to contain .303 in the webbing ammo pouch to stop rattling, can also be worn slung. Sten magazine bandoliers must be blancoed.
Utility Pouches: Worn slung around the neck, must also be blancoed. These were normally carried by Bren No 2 and the 2 1.C. commanding the gun team.
Mussettes: 'Mussette' bags, additional small packs or specialist webbing equipment (if necessary) must be blancoed. The only exception, are map cases.
Unit/ Company: When asked by the public what unit you represent make sure that you’ve done your research and that you know! For example:
1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment
231st Brigade
50th Infantry Division
With thanks to Byron Lazarus, Hampshire Regiment re-enactment group.