- Battle Dress (1937 or 1940 Pattern)
- 1939 or 1940 Pattern Dismounted Great Coat
- Royal Corps of Signals Cap Badge
- Pegasus Patches and Airborne Strips
- Royal Corps of Signals Shoulder Titles
- R. Signals Slip on Titles (Khaki and KD Types)
Whilst there is limited photographic material showing Signalmen wearing jump wings; the majority of photographic evidence shows neither the jump qualification or gliderborne insignia being worn by Divisional Signalmen.
With this in mind. The wearing of jump wings is strictly reserved for those members who have qualified with
' P ' Company or have successfully qualified for their Dutch Military ' B ' Class wings at TEXEL. Documentary proof of these will be required before a member is granted permission to wear jump qualification insignia on their uniform.
For a more comprehensive uniform requirement list please download the following document. This is downloadable in .pdf or similar format.
Comprehensive Uniform Requirement List
For further reference why not look at the scale of issue list which will give an indication of the equipment carried from May 1944.
Scale of Issue List
1937 Pattern Battle Dress
(Otherwise known as 37 Patt)
This 1937 pattern serge material uniform, with it's characteristic hidden buttons and pleats, was general issue to the British Army until 1940 when the new '40 pattern economy (also known as utility wear) uniform was issued. The main difference being exposed buttons and the removal of pleating. Although the' 37 pattern pattern stocks were still being issued post 1940.
It should be noted that medal ribbon's are not permitted to be worn unless they have been awarded in modern day service and only with the correct WW2 alternative or varient. Modern ribbon's may not be worn on WW2 battle dress.
Blouse :
Brass buttons and pleated breast pockets and pleated rear. Buttoned to the collar with two hook and eye fittings. The 40 patt had no pleating to the pockets or rear and had utility instead of brass buttons.
Breast Pocket of the 37 Pattern BD
There are two acceptable types of insignia. Embroidered and printed. A common mistake made when sewing the pegasus patch on is that they are often sewn on back to front. Pegasus should be facing forwards and not the rear.
Trousers :
The standard issue trousers had a pleated shell dressing pocket with smooth front map case pocket and rear pockets with brass buttons and an ankle flap used to gather up the material around the base of the leg. White issue braces with leather button loops were also the standard issue of the time and are the only braces permitted to be worn.
Airborne Trousers :
The Airborne Trousers (also known as Trousers Parachutist) have a large, chamois lined, expandable map pocket with a single button and two press studs . Pleated shell dressing pocket to front and two pleated rear pockets and a fighting knife pocket in the leg. There is no fastening strip to the base of the legs.
Shirt :
The standard issue shirt of the time was a full sleeve three button front collarless shirt. KD shirts are also acceptable forms of attire.
Jumper :
General issue long sleeve 'V' neck jumper
Ammo Boots :
Three pairs of boots would be advantageous. One working pair, One pair for battling and the other for best parade. They should be kept well maintained with regular checking for re-soleing or hobbing. It is also recommended that you should buy a pair that is one size up from your usual shoe size. Laces should be leather.
Gaiters :
These should be of the 1937 webbing type with brass fittings and should be blancoed using KG3 (light). The unit holds some quantity of KG3 and will be able to assist. The most common size is 3 but if you can get a size 4 then they will have a looser fit around the ankle.
Belt :
Again; 1937 pattern webbing belt with brass buckle fittings to rear and brass clasps and bar. This should also be blancoed using KG3 with the brass furniture being kept polished as this will be your 'walking out' belt.
Beret :
The Beret should have a leather band and have sufficient 'flap' available so as to shape to the rear of the head. It should be noted that WW2 berets were worn in a completely different style than today. The brass Royal Corps of Signals is required and it would be advantageous to also have the war economy plastic cap badge.
Identity Discs :
Black and red tags with your service number, surname, initial and religion stamped on them. The stamping can be undertaken by the unit.
AB64 :
The Pay Book and Service Record of British Soldiers. Kept in the left breast pocket; it contains your qualifications, rates of pay and service details. It should be presented upon request and will also be required at pay parades.
Denison Smock :First Pattern Denison Smock with knitted cuffs. The cuffs can be obtained seperately and are easily sewn on. It should be noted that when trying on a Denison for the first time it may feel like you are wearing a tent. This is correct to the period as the smock was always on the large side.
Face Veil :
The face veil was again a trade mark of the Airborne troops however; it should be noted that the disrupted pattern is the only accepted style. The plain green style is not permitted.
Jerkin :General Issue leather jerkin with serge internal backing and plastic buttons. There are 'leatherette' type jerkins available but these are not acceptable.
Cost is an important consideration when buying uniform and equipment therefor we strongly suggest obtaining advice prior to making any expensive purchases to ensure you are getting the right item for the impression and period portrayed by our unit.
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