BRITISH ARMY CLOTHING 1976

[@colinmelling6369]

T bag underpants . One huge size fits all. Only got lightweight on arrival at the battalion in 1976.

[@GaryButler-h3t]

Brill. I joined R.Sigs at Catterick in late 1971. I was the first of my intake and had to wait 2 weeks for basic to start. I was issued one for each: boots DMS, green jumper, green denim trousers ,shirt , socks, and a caps comforter. I spent my time mopping corridors, toilets etc and bulling my only boots which became splendid. On the Friday a huge intake joined me. On the Saturday morning a corporal came and said "Right lads. We start properly on Monday so we are going for a nature ramble to show you the surroundings." I said "here corporal, I've only got my bulled boots" he said " you'll be fine ". We were beasted over the hills, over walls through brooks etc as is traditional. At the end I pointed out my white toe capped boots and the corporal said " if you haven't got a sense of humour you shouldn't have joined"! .

[@VincentVincent-s9t]

I'm going to Catterick in a couple of days,see my lad pass out. All the best mate.

[@waynethefridgemanosborne8984]

Silverman's in mile end made a good living supplying lost or extra kit. I still have my green hand towel that is neatly folded in my over night pouch along with soap 🧼 and toothbrush etc . Thanks so much for the great trip down memory lane, definitely made me smile on my way to work here in South Australia. Again thank you

[@chrisakers3499]

This brought back some memories as a spotty 16 year old at The Depot Queens Division in 1973, we were issued 2 prs of lightweight trs straight away, no barrack dress trs until 74/75 ish,so were given battledress trs for education etc ,a right bastard to iron . 37 pattern Anklets and web belt,which we had to turn shiny black overnight for inspection the following morning. When my Battalion went to Cyprus in 76 for 2 years,we issued with 2 shirts olive green and 2 pairs of olive green trousers and floppy hat,the following year we we issued lightweight 2 x DPM combats jacket and trousers! A great video as usual.

[@railworker8058]

I remember in basic training my beautifully pressed kit and mirror like boots being ejected from an upstairs barracks window by a corporal on a mission. My mattress and bedding rapidly followed, landing in rain and mud, with an admonition to carry my kit back inside in one go with the promise if I dropped anything, it would all go out again. I was in a state of deep distress on how I was going to repair the mess. I shouldn’t have worried, my entire section chugged in, did the laundry, pressed my kit, polished my boots, rebuilt my bed pack. That was an early introduction to comradeship.

[@mrspudly1]

Great video Keith, 66 pattern smock in OG similar design to the American smock then two years later with a few differences the 68 pattern smock in DPM and the trousers to match. I still have the full suit upstairs in the loft, like you my first introduction to army clothing was through the cadets at age 14 and I remember being measured up and when my issue arrived hardly anything fitted me.

[@melstanley5530]

I joined in 1978. I remember being issued a clasp knife, an Army suitcase, and a kit bag as well as all the kit mentioned. I still miss it.

[@stephenmcdonald7908]

I'very still got my clasp knife.

[@WoolwichCommoner]

The other bit of kit I got issued in 1979 was a shell dressing which was dated from the 1950s

[@FTA4evr]

I was in Vietnam in 1966-67 and before I was issued lightweight jungle fatigues I had to make to make do with the standard OG-107 fatigues American GIs wore as regular issue. As a consequence, I suffered greatly from heat rash.. The lighter weight and looser fit of the jungle fatigues made a world of difference. And the American jungle boot is still my favorite footwear.

[@VincentVincent-s9t]

What was you an auzzie, very interesting. First I've seen on here,a veteran of Vietnam. All the best mate.

[@zaynevanday142]

I used US Jungle boots on both my Selection Courses 😂😂😂

[@FTA4evr]

@@VincentVincent-s9t US Army

[@TheJon2442]

I was issued them in Banjaluka mid 90's! Still have them....

[@malsmith9635]

You forgot the army issue suitcase and kitbag lol. As Guards, we were issued 1 x shoes, "2 x DMS and 2 x Ammo (Drill boots). Also we did get the lightweight green trousers x 2. I joined in Sept 76. Never got the green mug though. We used the black mug from our water bottle. Pretty sure the mug was clothing issue but bottle / webbing etc was G1098. One anomaly was we had to purchase a stable belt (Not issued) and a track suit from the PRI. Oh and remembering the 2 red and 1 white pt vests to go with your blue Stanley Matthews shorts. Only in the British army could you be seen marching to the gym in red vest, blue shorts, green socks and DMS boots. Not forgetting your plimsols wrapped in your green towel under your arm. Such a long time ago.

[@iansmillie]

@@malsmith9635 yes, also ambushed after pay parade by training staff to buy royal engineers track suit and stable belt. Still got the stable belt, amazed at waist size on the adjusters that fitted me in 1979

[@Nea_cj]

Joined 1980, I've never forgotten those itchy shirts we were issued

[@johnribble]

KF shirts 😂

[@steveforster9764]

1980. Kf shirts DMS boots ect

[@BOC-s3t]

KF Shirts were hideous, itchy horrible in the wet, crap in the cold, horrible in shirt sleeve Order in summer someone made a fortune selling crap gear that nobody would choose to wear.

[@silvafox8371]

Halcyon days listening to your list. Yes Sir oretty much the same as you. Tea bags ( army green underwear) hairy maries the green shirt. We spent ages ironing the inside the removce the fur. JLR so Ammos for the square and we got puttees then high legs reached us. I had a No 1 uniform being ceremonial. Then got George boots when i passed off square. We had alot of kit to fit in our kit bag / army suitcase. Then we used to swap kit with other forces on exercise. Since then ive aqquired alot of what i had and use it wild camping fishing and bushcrafting. This brought back alot of memories thank you

[@1979tonylee]

One item you forgot to mention was a House wife and I'm not talking about the Trace around, Ha Ha, It was a sewing kit in a small pouch which included needles, buttons various and black and white cotton and wool for repairing socks. I went diffy with mine and still use it today 50+ years later.

[@kevinsweeney4123]

Still have mine in use, issued 1972

[@colonelgoldie456]

See my comment above as I too mentioned the housewife. Haven't heard anyone use the term diffy for a long time.

[@malsmith9635]

And the green wash bag roll

[@iansmillie]

1979 - Royal Engineers issue you with their equivalent of a kukri Mod - clasp jack knife to be used for all things military engineering also opening compo cans

[@williamwilson8582]

I served under Wilson and Thatcher and can honestly say that my pay and equipment was equally shocking under both.

[@paulstratton3712]

I joined in 1979 just after Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister and I seem to remember getting 3 pay rises quite close together.

[@richardslyman7255]

i joined the REME in January '70 and kit was more or less the same apart from the combat kit was the green outfit, worn with anklets, we were issued Great coats which were heavy but warm, and the thing that caused the most irritation was the issue if a white china pint pot mug, guaranteed to be dropped by the DS staff on room inspection for imagined stains or "grot", so down you went to the stores to buy another, which would invariably by dropped etc, we were issued housewife's and a clasp knife. We also were the last training platoon to be issued lightweight jumpers, which had slots for the epaulettes of the kf shirt to pass through. The other piece of kit I got in Germany was the cap combat, horrible thing.

[@colonelgoldie456]

Am I the only one to get issued with a housewife? Needle, cotton, spare buttons etc. It was a small green square pouch thing. Otherwise I had exactly the same 1157 as yourself. You really knew you made the big time when you got a G10 Watch! Excellent video.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Yes. You must be older than me and my army number was written in Roman numerals…

[@williamwilson8582]

Don't forget the water sterilising kit and the respiratory demister.And the brass buttonstick for cleaning brass buttons .

[@ednigma6526]

I didn't get issued with one: made-up my own, under guidance from my Mum (that is to say, she put it together for me...).

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

@ water sterilising kit? Do you mean the strip of puritabs?

[@williamwilson8582]

@bob_the_bomb4508 No it was a small bottle of sterilising tabs , the water tasted of chlorine when used .

[@van-gabondramblinrose6398]

Junior Para '83, pretty much all the same gear, except we had '58 pattern webbing and DPM gear. White 'road slappers' or plimsolls. Bloody murder to clean after PT. DMS and putties. Awful bloody boots. Had minor trench foot a couple of times. Had the plastic Para lids, which were pretty ally compared to those awful things everyone else got. No waterproof gear to speak of except the poncho, which we weren't allowed to wear, because they made too much noise. I remember freezing my proverbials off on an ambush one night in Brecon, laid along a ridgeline, waiting for the enemy to 'trip' the ambush and the rain was horizontal. I was shivering so much I'd never have been able to hit anything for real. One good thing though, there was no chance of falling asleep and getting a beasting!

[@jase8793]

Another great nostalgic tab video mate they all bring back so many brilliant soldiering memories for me so cheers & keep it up 🍻 (Brit Army 1982-2006) (Aus Army 2006-2018)

[@kevinhough5960]

85/86 out in Germany attached to 2LI, I believe we were the first unit to get issued the new 'plastic' lid, and the new ration packs - no tins, all in foil bags. Also as REME we had 3 coil spring Land Rovers. Two x 110s and a 90. Some fella from Solihull coming on exercise with us taking photos. Not thought of these things in years. Nostalgia City!

[@Andy-ft6yg]

Brought back memories especially the “Larry Large Pack” yes Silvermans done very well, I was always down there. Keep up the good work great viewing.

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

Army life

[@johnhempsall4644]

I’ve actually collected all that kit you’ve just mentioned,because it’s what I was issued with. I have my original locker layout drawings. All I need now is the locker 😮😢😊

[@wills681]

Nice one Keith. Depot Para 1976. Denison para smocks replaced by DPM versions in 1977 or 1978 (?). Those Denison smocks were everywhere back in the day... just about every 'brickie' on building sites wore a surplus Denison smock back then because they are hardwearing, practical items of clothing. Astonished at what they sell for now.

[@BOC-s3t]

We got DPM in 78 don't know if they got them earlier.

[@Retired-Tom]

Late 78 but i believe Depot started issuing in 77. Crows arriving in Bn in late 77 had to exchange for Dennison. QM (Uncle Ron) burned 100s of Denison Smocks in 79.

[@wills681]

@@Retired-Tom I dug out an old (July 1977) edition of Pegasus Journal. A couple of portraits on the Depot pages show Champion Recruit of 431 Platoon (Pte McKeown) wearing a Denison smock while Champion Recruit of 432 platoon (Pte Wysman) wears a DPM smock. Funny how King Charles still wears a Denison smock. 🙂

[@aebirkbeck2693]

I was issued ammo boots until we went to RAF Abingdon and was re issued with DMS boots (RAF didn't want us scratching up the floor of their shiny planes) and a young officer cadet asking one of my mates "what does DMS stand for" and he replied dems mha shoes. I still have the button stick, my steel jump helmet, my denison smock but had got rid off my 44 pattern webbing and got hold of 57 webbing and putties which I still have lying around somewhere. That brought back memories. All the best mucker

[@Howard1776]

As a cadet ‘78/‘82 was issued 1 x green and 1x khaki ‘itchy’ shirts. Had to wear the khaki ones as none of the green ones issued fitted us little ‘uns. Also had barrack dress, lightweight and combat trousers. Ankle putties were a pain to get right and used to use elastic in the trouser bottoms. Had no full issue of combat jackets, just a plain green pull over lightweight smocks.

[@mnlivestreaming6713]

Joined R IRISH in Ballymena in April 1975... I was almost repeating your explanation/descriptions word for word!!! Great memories! No lightweights till we went over to Catterick for a short course. Iron the inside of the KF shirt to make them less itchy. Think DPM came in early in N Ireland - we had them as trainees before the Kings Div trainees at Strensall.

[@nigelrobinson8540]

Thanks another great video. Joined as a cadet in 77 so brought back many memories. Kit was scarce and had to make do with ww2 era battle dress for 6 months. So had to spend a lot of time blancoing gaiters and 37 patt webbing. So glad when I was issued lightweight trousers and dpm kit. Spent a bit of time with the RA lads from the Junior Leaders at Bramcote. Had a good experience staying with the RA in Paderborn.

[@simonh6371]

I got issued kit twice, first in the TA in 1988, then a year later in the Regs. The TA kit issue was less of course, no barrack dress or No. 2s. The Sgt issuing clothing in the TA drill hall said to all of us ''if it fits, you're deformed''. We and the PTIs used to call our blue PT shorts '' Stanley Matthews'' shorts, remember ironing and starching those. The cotton V necked PT T-shirts were a pain to iron, they just distorted however much spray starch we used, 50 knees to chest if you didn't iron those perfectly. Chinese fighting suits were still being issued in the late 80s. KF shirts were known as ''shirt, hairy'' but I was too late joining to get those issued although I did acquire one in the TA - buckshee kit I think - and wore it there but got a right ballocking for wearing that in the regs. Tin pissers or the old steel helmets were still being issued to some TA units, the home defence ones, as late as 1988-9 as some of the lads on our recruit's cadre in Whittington Barracks had them, Wessex Regiment I think, we had the kevlar helmets as we were 2 Inf Div, part of BAOR if the Sovs broke through the Minden Gap. Norgies or Norwegian Army shirts weren't issued back then but most of us bought them from Silvermans or even Milletts. I asked for one as a Xmas present while in the TA but my mum said she wasn't going to pay £18 for one which is fair enough, that's the equivalent of fifty quid nowadays! As to kit changing for the better in the 80s, I'm not so sure. Boots combat high and kevlar helmets were certainly an improvement but the combats issued them were not as good as the onld DPM combats where you had a button on hood, ours were really soft and absorbent like tissue lol. Apart from that we had pretty much the same kit as when you joined, 58 pattern webbing and large pack, poncho, mess tins etc. Oh yes and we did get S10 ressies not S6's. My days I can waffle on.

[@harrymonti6586]

Great video Keith mate👍I was a few intake Troops ahead of you at Woolwich, Inkerman Troop Sept 76-Jan 77 so got issued the same kit as you. Them Army Shoes, I never wore mine once (I left in 83), not sure why but it was mainly office wallahs or Mess Barmen I remember who wore em and I was neither. Dunno how the Guards etc managed with Ammo Boots, I had a pair I used for Tug of War but if you walked across any of the mainly cobbled streets in our barracks (Mansergh, Gutersloh) you risked goin a**e over t*t.. After my 1st Excercise in Germany I got a old steel "Para" helmet from a mate in 3 Para and left my issued s**t helmet in my locker from then on (except for my Cardre Course). Was much better although I'd get told off loads about the helmet I just ignored it and continued to get away with it. Sleeping Bag wise I got lucky when I got a XL Bundeswehr sleeping bag with sleeves and could also be worn like a jacket. Swapped it for 2 Bottles of Asbach Brandy from the Naafi with a storeman in the Bundeswehr unit in our camp. Brilliant piece of kit that was, used it on the many runs around Europe I made during my post Army bike club days and in 2013 after my bike ridin days were over I gave it to a homeless ex soldier along with some Goretex gear I'd aquired over the years. Your 100% spot on about em useless woollen gloves, no good whatsoever if your a Gun Bunny getting the Gun in and out of action/messing about with cam nets etc. Always found it difficult squaring off them gloves with cardboard for the locker layout in Training so usually I'd have to go get em out of whatever puddle they'd landed in after being chucked from a top floor window in Inkerman block. Was picking em up once and got hit by some poor fellas mattress launched from the same window😂 Only times I wore the Barrack trousers were in Basic training and my Cardre course, luckily my time spent in Mansergh Bks was spent on the Gunpark or doing ToW training meaning I avoided having any job that required wearing Barrack room trousers and that stupid plastic belt..and shoes. Probably the worst 2 items issued in my humble opinion. 😶

[@stuartjarman4930]

Alamein Troop, August 75 to December 75, then 5 Heavy Regt in BAOR.......had one of those Bundy gonk bags for a while - really good, but later I managed to acquire a US Army Mountain bag which was seriously Gucci kit with a warm duck down lining and a rubber air mattress!

[@markboyracer]

lol brought back some memories i joined in 82 and most of the kit you mentioned we got, still have some of it in my reserve kit the original combats we had where 100% better than the next kit in with no liners that fell to bits in no time the great thing with putties was they could be used as a first aid item and i think they dated back to india and i might be wrong but stopped snake bites while also giving great ankle and lower leg support we also got a neck warmer wool and Ni gloves {water collectors} lol

[@dankorolyk5917]

Well done mate,although I joined in Canada around the same time,we used the same equipment back then. It was hilarious to hear your recollections and remember how it was back in the day.

[@davidschwartz9636]

Very interesting Keith. I'm not ex services, nearly was, but certainly love hearing about your experiences, as if I had joined up it would only been a few years after yourself. Sometimes I think an apprenticeship in clvi street was a mistake and I should have gone in the army, as back then there was a lot of adventure to be had in different parts of the world for solders. - Remember the fun Frank had on the recruitment ads!

[@richardbradley2802]

Wow, that takes me back! I remember that long counter collecting my kit well!

[@markwalker2986]

I was in the 6th Battalion Light Infantry in the 1980s, and I can remember the kit you mentioned. Great memories 👌 love your videos aswell.

[@gionncaomhinmorpheagh4791]

Wow! Talk about memories! I believe I was one of the last RAMC intakes at the beginning of 1966 to be issued with one pair of DMS and one pair of ammos. At that moment in time, any talk of bulling boots, after National Service, was "verboten", so the DS got around that by demanding "highly-polished" boots - which meant bulling. I kept my ammos (and my beret) after my discharge and exchanged them for a pair of Corcoran jump-boots with a Septic survivor of the D-Day landings, who I met on the 40th Anniversary at Juno beach in France. He was fire and flame for my ammos, which I'd kept up bulling, and offered me his Corcoran jump-boots in exchange. We both had the same boot-size (UK size 6, Septic size 7), so we did the deal. I had those Corcoran boots (made in 1942) until 2015. Talk about memories! Indeed! MsG

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

In the 70s there was a ITV Sitcoms as the National Service in RAF, the last of it was film at RAF Halton at the second Guard Room which is the Armoury of the base and Trinty Church.

[@skylongskylong1982]

Series called Get Some In, about 1976 vintage .

[@tony78652]

Add to your list 1 x Kit Bag + 1 x Large Suitcase

[@iansmillie]

Which you had to prise open when you lost the key

[@Mirrorstar]

I joined in 73 JLRRA. I went to my Regt in 75. Our working dress was coveralls, kf shirt and tie. Coveralls had to be starched on a Monday mornings battery parade. We would then be marched down to the gun park to carry out 1st parade. Sundays, we would have to lay your coveralls out on the washroom floor and scrub them with a bass broom. Had to do the fireman's strike with those stupid steel helmet! The worst bit of kit was the poncho. We must have looked like a right load of idiots on the streets of Belfast!.

[@aliacoms6014]

I joined in "78 much the same gear, but 2 pairs of lightweight trousers, good in the field as they would dry out quickly if they got wet. I think the shirts were wool which is why they were so itchy . Did you get the green nylon belt and the plastic insoles for the dms boots? I remember we had 37 pattern webbing in basic training. The clasp knife was the first thing to disappear. Do you recall the vintage chocolate bars in the 24 hour rations? I think the dms boots were binned following the Falklands conflict.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Yes, green belt and those insoles, nightmare

[@mikeplatts2603]

In 1970 apart from the kit that Keith mentioned ( less coveralls, never issued to us ) the most hated item was the Greatcoat, bloody thing must have weighed 30 Lbs and when it got wet ????? also remember absolutely nothing ( even the socks ) seemed to fit properly 😂😂😂, the best mate to have was always the unit storeman !!!!!!

[@jamesross1799]

Even in the early 90s in the ATC we used to be issued with old ww2 style Army smocks denim with a hood we wore them on what we're classed as escape and evasion ex. A group of 5 (supposedly a shot down bomber crew ) had to evade the others and make it to a certain location. Great fun in the pitch black Yorkshire countryside.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

In 1973-1980 We had the air tex underwear issued at the Duke of York’s, No 1 dress (blues), lightweights, barrack dress trousers (when they were introduced). But we had 60 pattern combats and 37 pattern webbing. Also BD trousers which were issued but never worn. We also had the same PT kit. Wearing KF shirts at 14 got me used to the itch :) Our RSM told us that 37 pattern webbing was designed by an officer’s wife and that it won because it had more brass to polish than the alternatives. ISTR the DPM gear was called ‘68 pattern’ but of course it would have taken a while to get issued. My great nephew just started boy service and the only bits of kit we have in common are the beret, the mess tins and the ‘58 pattern water bottle… :)

[@frankcooper6118]

I joined in 1981 and got issued the exact same kit. I think I got 2 pairs of wooly gloves though. Also not sure if you mentioned it, but I got 2 PT shirts, one red, one white and a green plastic belt which was worn with No.2 dress and barrack dress. The socks which I was issued were made of some indestructible man made material, I only had to replace one pair in 4 and half years, and still have 2 pairs to this very day. I also didn't get the quilted trousers, only the waist coat. We had no coveralls either, but then we were issued 2 pair of lightweight trousers. I don't think that our No.2 dress had the brass belt clips (I don't remember having to polish them) and we weren't issued the button kit. The KF shirt was so awful that I pretty much only wore one of the 4 that were issued, usually with a T shirt underneath and out on unit we mostly wore a No.2 dress shirt. Some guys would cut the collar off the KF shirt and sew it to a T shirt to wear underneath the woolly pully in winter. Edit: I also remember being issued a DPM 'Jap cap'.

[@OldhamSteve52]

Depot Queens Div, Bassingbourn, 1978, DMS boots, puttees. 57 pattern webbing, cap comforter, camouflage cap which you wore for 6 weeks until passing off and you received a beret. Horrendous black plymsoles, long shorts. Had some laughs.

[@charlietreston4035]

Spot on

[@mattflannery4448]

Very interesting for a guy from Kentucky to hear your stories!!!

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers mate, much appreciated. Hope alls well over there, stay safe

[@JohnLynes]

Great video took me right back

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rayjennings3637]

I joined REME in March 1966 and my issued personal kit consisted of: 2 pairs of DMS boots; 1 pair of Oxford Black shoes; 1 pair of black plimsolls; 4 pairs of light grey woolen socks; 2 pairs of white long-johns; 3 pairs of white plain cotton Y-fronts; no vests; 2 pairs of khaki battle-dress trousers which we had to shave inside to make them comfortable to wear; 2 pairs of coveralls; 1 set of coverall buttons and split rings; 1 '37 pattern' web belt; 2 pairs of navy-blue PT shorts; 1 red and 1 white PT Vest; 3 brown KF shirts; 2 No 2 Dress shirts - with separate collars, of which we had 3; 1 set of collar studs; 2 khaki knitted ties; 1 No 2 Dress jacket; 2 pairs of No 2 Dress trousers; 1 khaki greatcoat; 1 navy-blue beret; 1 forage cap; 2 sets of solid colour olive-green combat kit; 1 gas cape; 1 S10 respirator and bag; 2 NBC suits; all relevant collar and cap badges. At the same time of collecting all this - apart from the No 2 Dress suit, we were also issued with: 1 foam single mattress; 2 sheets; 2 pillows; 2 pillow cases; 3 blankets; 1 knife, fork and spoon set; 1 pint mug; 1 'housewife'; 1 button stick; 2 mess-tins; 1 steel helmet. Fortunately, at the beginning of the counter, we got the bedding so that we could pile everything on top ready to carry to our 'spider'. My intake had a room which was about 60 or 70 yards from the store - or it would have been if we didn't have to walk round the square! That made the trip more like 150 yards but carrying all that stuff made it feel like half a mile! At the time, I was 6'3" and weighed 9½ stone with stick-thin arms! I didn't drop any of my kit - thank heaven (we were being watched by our Platoon Sergeant - Sergeant Garioch, all the way and he was a real hard Jock who didn't take prisoners!) There were a few mugs dropped on the way and those rookies quickly learnt the hard way not to!

[@tonydavies5283]

The putees were a pain to put on every morning like you say Keith , I've also seen them used as makeshift field dressings and arm slings . I didn't like the plastic insoles for the DMS , and never used them . They reminded me of the same stuff the plastic working belts were made of . Another iissue item I didn't like was the old cap comforter , they used to itch like mad and have you sweating like a big lass in a cake shop .😂 Also always wore our own underwear , never the issue stuff . Lots of memories brought back with that video

[@puma55792]

What about those small rubber ear defenders getting stuck down your lug hole, and the short back and beano.

[@tonydavies5283]

@puma55792 once lost my ear defenders just before an afternoon on the electronic ranges , me lugs are still whistling today 😂

[@idgaf-dt7kq]

I still use water bottles from the early 90's when I go camping. Bombproof!

[@nzgunnie]

DPM was notionally introduced in 1968, the smock was the '1968 pattern', but like anything it must have taken a while to actually get issued to everyone. I joined the RNZAF in 1996, and we were issued US pattern water bottles dating from the Vietnam war for recruit training, I think one of mine was 1966, the other 1968. They had a good aluminium 'cups, canteen' issued with them with a fold out hinged handle that folded around the bottom of the cup for stowage, and then folded out and clipped in place for use. It was much more secure than the two opposing wire handles on the 58 pattern mug and being aluminium could be used over a hexe stove for cooking in lieu of the mess tins. Our webbing was an odd mix of Vietnam era NZ large SLR ammunition pouches (about the size of a 37 pattern pouch), and slightly more modern US pattern ALICE webbing.

[@neilmaston5116]

Our issue of kit was similar in the RM in 1976, we did get green light weight trousers (denims). Generally the kit we received was OK for the era, however the large pack was an absolute joke as we're the sleeping bags which had no waterproofing and no zips (green slugs) ! One thing that did grieve me was doing drill in wooly pullovers, the foresight of the SLR would rip the wooly pully to bits , which we had to repair or buy another! Years later after training I was issued a foresight protector !

[@davewolfy2906]

In the R Sigs we wore/wear the lanyard on the right. KF shirtsleeves or No 2 dress. The sight protector was required.

[@davymac3882]

When I stopped dealing in army surplus I kept a lot of new unused stock which included a batch of new DPM desert issue combat trousers. When I need a new pair of work trousers I just take a pair off the shelf. Oh how many times a day I wish I could get hold a pair of putties! The new issue trousers have ties threaded through the bottom to tie around your ankles a bit like tying your shoe laces. They can be pulled tight in a triple knot but will still eventually end up undoing themselves! They are a real curse! I landed at Catterick in 1973 and woodland DPM was being worn by everyone. On another point, the original lightweight trousers had if I remember rightly a map pocket on each leg? These were in my opinion the most comfortable general wear trousers issued by the forces. In later years I found that the map pocket was phased out and the trousers had a different feel and I could never feel comfortable in them. Great content, thank you for the channel!

[@peterscott8366]

Was issued DPM , in September 71, loved O Gs issued for Belize 76 , great chat Keith go safe....

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Pete

[@brakenoodle105]

1973 Infantry Junior Leaders, we (all regiments) had a pair of ammo boots for drill only. After a run up The Wrekin in Shropshire to break them in, they were sent away by the CQMS to be double soled and studded. A drill squad shod in these sounded great!

[@geofschofield7963]

I've said before I never served. I found this very interesting thank you. My father did conscription in the Royal Navy and I remember seeing his housewife sewing kit!

[@peterwait641]

Worse bit of kit was the 2 oz nylon, polyurethane coated DPM water proofs. Coating started pealing off after about a week. These were withdrawn and replaced with 4oz polyurethane coated DPM waterproof with luxury taped seams. Nothing like rustling along in a sauna suit to announce your presence to the enemy. The plimsoles sole felt like walking bare foot on concrete, no wonder we all had shin-splints and were woken up with muscle cramps in calf's during the night.

[@carljones6806]

in the welsh depot crickhowell1972. we was issued drawers cotton also white long johns still got 4 prs of these, ammo boots where i learnt to do the twist more so on ice funny as hell marching as a pln on ice we slid every where. the shirts yep was itchy the rest as you said also puttees

[@iansmillie]

Also a Mac for drill in 1979 RE Depot

[@iansmillie]

Also 1930’ webbing which shrunk in the rain

[@paddycarr9537]

Green plastic web belt for over Jersey Heavy Wool.

[@buzsalmon]

Keith I enjoyed this one. I found it interesting.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you Buzz, hope you're doing fine Brother, all our best wishes.

[@bugler75]

Your Mess Tins must have dated 1944 as this was when they were first made. Essentially they knew the fighting in Europe would be over within 18 months but they were preparing to continue the war in the Far East Theatre (clearly not knowing about the atomic bomb being developed). The mess tins as we know them, were changed from stainless steel to aluminium to stop rusting in the jungle. Same as the 1944 Pattern webbing was made from rot proof material. The pockets of the 1944 pack were designed to hold the mess tins. They also developed the Lee Enfield No. 5 variant for the jungle too. Being a bit shorter, lighter than the standard No.4 Lee Enfield and apparently having the kick of a mule! I remember the water bottle cap of my ‘58 pattern kit being on my 1157 flick and getting it replaced through the clothing stores.

[@simon4356]

Good article, you don't always hear about the basics of army life.

[@stuartgorman8150]

How about cap comforter and face veil , gloves woollen .

[@ianclayton4483]

Never forget the smell of the QMs stores!

[@geordiespr731]

mothballs

[@yorkcity55]

Shit boots, shit webbing, no cold weather gear, woolen gloves, woolen socks, tin lid and a rifle that doesn't work in the dirt! Great times indeed. How did we survive. Nearly forgot the puttees with mile long laces!

[@campbellbrand8038]

Wool? I doubt it very much, mostly "other fibers" rather than sheep fur. socks and gloves primarily.

[@kennymcewan7281]

U missed out the pt shirts red and white and the combat highs a loved them kevlar helmets were brill but the nbc suits with the charcoal were brutal

[@NohjNosnibor]

Hi Keith, this vid evoked many memories for me. The detached shirt collars & studs have already been commented on. In my biography I wrote about the whole platoon urinating in a bath in which we then had to dip our boots DMS to soften the uppers; whilst wearing them! I had a whole body allergic reaction to my kit which fortunately only lasted a few days. After basic trg whilst on my AT course they discovered an abandoned shed at COD Bicester full of the old BDs. We were issued the BD trousers as an economy measure. This was before trousers barrack dress when barrack dress consisted of No2 dress trousers & shirt/woolly pully. That meant you ended up with faded No2 dress trousers. The combo of BD trousers & shirts KF (shirts scratch) were torture. We also had blancoed anklets & 37 pattern webbing. Oh happy days 😂

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Thanks I never knew why I was issued BD trousers even though we never wore them…

[@NohjNosnibor]

@ my AT course was almost a year in so-called barrack dress. We started by wearing No2 dress trousers which was comfortable but after several weeks we got issued with BD trousers to wear instead which were well itchy. Maybe it was a plot to stop us nodding off in the hot AS of A classrooms ?🤣

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

@@NohjNosnibor yeah but can you explain how a lot is different from a batch?

[@NohjNosnibor]

@ knowing the difference between an open or closed question; my answer is yes 🤣

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

@@NohjNosniborwell played :)

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

Congratulations Keith❤

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you James

[@mikel6517]

In the late 80’s we had the same kit except for the Oxford shoes and the underwear. Only 1 barrack dress trousers, the small green towels and green cup and KFS was still on issue. The extra was the lightweight trouser 2 pairs and BCH. Remember the coveralls in winter at Royston, freezing. Those PT Shorts were horrible remember there was 1 white v neck PT shirt and 2 red. Also liked the JHW. We did get the crisp packet waterproofs

[@julianbrown8572]

Still got the scars from running in the black plimsoles

[@michaeloconnell7132]

I think the DPM came into issue in 1971. I remember when my Dad was in the army he wore the O.G's (Olive Greens) and we were amazed when we saw him in DPM for the first time. He joined the army in 1959 and there are pictures of him in WW2 type uniform called the B.D (battle dress). When I joined the TA in 1982, we got most of the kit you mentioned. We also got something called a combat cap (I think). I looked like a DPM version of the Afrika Korps hat with a small metal hole to slide your cap badge in, but we never wore it. There was also the cap comforter like the WW2 commandoes wore, but again we were issued it and never wore it. Do you remember them?

[@billw1487]

Gas cape as ground sheet Guards depot early sixties, no sleeping bag, bring a blanket, how about jack knife with lanyard. 2 pair of ammo boots and DMS boots, shoes for L/Sgts and above for number 1 dress and mess kit. Original non camouflage combat clothing, striped pyjamas, useful under home service tweeds in winter, especially Tower of London guard., 37 pattern web belts and bayonet frog for drill parades in number 2 dress. Spears and shields as walking out dress in London Town.

[@adrianparker-e9f]

Was there any two piece, rain jacket and trousers, by then on general issue ? ( either green or DPM )

[@jackdelaney6633]

OG shirts and puttees those were the days!

[@davewolfy2906]

The poncho, marvellous. Would like to get one now.

[@colonelgoldie456]

Served from Sept 1969 to Oct 1991

[@ColinAnderson-hy2oj]

KF shirts: In my Battallion we used to shave the inside of the shirts, much more comfortable!

[@philipbrown2628]

Aw Keith, you forgot the cat gut insoles !

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I did and weren't they a nightmare lol

[@emersonmsd]

We wore the shoes with barrack dress trousers.

[@VincentVincent-s9t]

Cheers kieth,you take care mate.god bless.

[@winstonstone]

14,000 well done Sarn't Major!!

[@DevilbyMoonlight]

The '85 issue kit was the absolute worst! - in Basic we had no spiders for our helmets so we carried them but didnt wear them until they became available until the last week of training, one thing about the old steel helmet is when you got to wake up to stag on in the field its warmer and much more comfy that the later Mk6 that had a freezing cold leather pad - once you been up in the battalion a while you tended to buy our own gear, that includes webbing that you were free to chop up and modify, but also windproofs and para smocks were popular with tropical trousers, before the L85 came in LMG mags were sort after for the SLR despite the rumour that they don't work upside down I had no issues, am sure it was a rumour to stop us pinching them! later on it was colt mag's to replace the Radway green mags, the pimples on DMS boots were easy to deal with with a candle and spoon, once you got the knack you could cook the polish into the leather, which meant less layers and less cracking.. in my unit our collar dogs and shoulder titles were black - spit and polish was something you did only when needed in my unit... in my case, inspections, muster parades and when I was in trouble! - best bit of kit was probably the tin opener in the ration packs... but some blokes liked the NI Boots to run in and the NI gloves with the padded knuckles too...

[@Martinthehun59]

Brings back fond memories... ianclayton4483 - you're bang on about the smell of the QM's stores !! 😂

[@stealthtecify]

I joined mid 90s was issued plce but actually by far preffered the pattern 58 webbing I used when I was training ready to join

[@mobrien145]

I joined the same time 76 and the QMs staff shouted where's the fecking tankie. I step forward and get abused by the staff who were 5th Enniskillen Dragon Guards. I had no idea about the army joined because.there were no jobs back then, so when I got a black beret and black coveralls I was taken aback. Anyway I was the only tankie in the intact. What fun we had

[@ChunkyMonkey78]

I bought a pair of Northern Ireland urban boots to hike with when I was a teenager, would love to own a pair of them again now,

[@tobermory8341]

In '78 some of my issued items were 100% polyester - socks, woolly pully, lightweights and combat jacket hood. Even lightweights were usually poly-cotton so I don't know if it was just a trial run to save money but it was horrible stuff.

[@andrewwhite6201]

joined TA R.signals in 1980. got one set combats . one working dress. and P.T kit and a set on numbers2. and dms boots

[@bill8784]

Still have a “Housewife” and kitbag. The lightweights were very comfortable. I remember nylon socks.

[@vmax42dave]

June 75 joined R M. Same kit issue + First field dressings 1943 ! 👍

[@Katmando007]

Keith can't forget the Brown Suitcase💼 💂‍♂️🫡👍

[@BrianConway-j5m]

or canvas kit bag

[@stuartjarman4930]

@@BrianConway-j5m And struggling with both +webbing on the tube from Paddington to Woolwich Arsenal

[@TheSussexpillbox]

DPM Soldier 2000 was the best for me. Even had the super rare and now I cannot find - ripstop DPM temperate trousers. Same material as the smock, but never seen them since.

[@whipsnadepoacher]

DPM smock. I joined in '73 and was issued a DPM smock, so the change was in-between 1969-'73.

[@paulstratton3712]

I joined the Royal Signals in 1979 and did my Basic Training at 11 Signals Regiment at Helles Barracks in Catterick (now a base for All Arms Basic Training I think). I recognise most of the items you mentioned, including Lightweights which we were issued. We didn't get the Coveralls that you referred to. Do you mind me asking who you served with? I can't make out your cap badge very clearly, but without wanting to offend if I get it wrong, but it looks like the Royal Hampshires.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Hi Paul, yes it's the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. An amalgamation of the Queens Regt and the Royal Hampshires

[@stuartburgess2409]

Issued Stanley Mathews long shorts & pale blue v neck t shirts & white plimmies for pt most recruits spent a fortune on whitening as they got filthy on cross coutry runs , but luckily no plimmies for me as stores had none in my size so i wore my own trainers, those hairy shirts with tiny buttons , l lived in chip bag hat, an early issue dpm jacket, lightweights with sewn in creases & d,m,s when on deployment in the field with no putties just elastic cord , some of the 'rocks' wore chains inside to keep them straight , i got demobbed in 92 & i still have unopened kit in my loft , great nostalgia 😂😂😂

[@essexplodder]

When i joined the reserves in 1986 we were issued boots DMS with puttees (still got them), we then got the new BCH in the late 1980's 1 set of DPM combats 1pr l/weight trousers, 2 hairy mary shirts,, 1 wool jumper, still got my wool gloves 1 cowpat of a beret (could never get to into a decent shape) the wonderful( (NOT) 58 patt webbing also still my poncho somewhere bit worse for wear these days, we also started with the old ww2 style tin lid until we got the new kevlar helmet also we had the S6 respirator atb Barry

[@Soggz7785]

Hi Keith. What do you think about the MTP compared to the DPM? Interesting to know what you think.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@eng9040]

As RAF I had no knowledge of taking KFS to the mess, I did when I arrived at Bicester garrison (St Georges barracks?) for a weeks course and found myself having to improvise on day one. (How uncivilised , lol).