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This is the first of a two part video testimony of a great Lockdown adventure.
Part 2 can be found here: • From Newbie to Battled...
WW2 British Uniform & Equipment Display.
As a Collector and shooter of mainly British Military Surplus Rifles I’ve, over the years, picked up a few bits and pieces of related British militaria. A bit of webbing here, a bit of clothing there but my main interest remained on the rifles. As such my general knowledge of Service equipment and kit was quite marginal.
During the Great Lockdown of 2020 I was faced with a dilemma. The ranges were closed. We weren’t allowed out. Pubs were closed and even the cats started to hate me. I needed a hobby. Something to keep me busy. That’s when I had the idea of taking what kit I had and try to make a full WW2 British display and who knows maybe even look at doing some reenacting in the future.
I decided to go for my Grandad’s regiment. He served in the 9th (2nd City of London) battalion Royal Fusiliers and saw action in the Mediterranean & Middle East. The bug then took hold and I decided to expand this to including to sets: North West European Theater & the Med & Middle East. Trouble was that I would need one set of blancod webbing (NEW) and one the lighter, or un-blancod webbing (M&ME). That’s where my eBay adventure began. It also began a very interesting and fun study programme learning about aspects I had never looked at before.
A massive grovelling apology to Richard from the VMGCR who’s patients I really tested with my incessant questions... luckily I wasn’t within punching distance. The guy really is a genius.
/ vmgcra
One of the best sources of webbing information during this project came from the KZbin channel ‘Rifleman More’ and and I while I know I drove Richard from the Vickers MG Collection & Research Association up the wall with my non-stop questions this project would have not been possible without his help. I also found some great info on how to apply blanco from probably the best channel on the web ‘Bloke on The Range’. I also found Brian L. Davis’s book ‘British Army Uniforms & Insignia of WW2’ was extremely helpful (thanks for the tip Richard). Also a shout out to Tom for being a great chap...
The result is not perfect and probably full of errors. As this is my first time attempting this I’m looking forward to taking your feedback and making improvements. For those who just fancy a bit of trolling then have fun, it’s all part of the game, although be it known that your Mother was a hamster and your Father smelt of elderberries.
The equipment is mostly original apart from a few bits and pieces. The uniform is mostly reproduction but with a smattering of original kit. My aim is to slowly replace the repro with original. I eventually want this to be 100% original.
This has been a fun project and whilst there is still much to be learnt I sure know more than I did yesterday.
Check out these great channels from the real experts to really get into the details not covered in my Video:
Rifleman Moor: / riflemanmoore
Bloke on the Range: / @blokeontherange
Vickers MG Collection & Research Association: / @vickersmg
British Muzzle Loaders: / britishmuzzleloaders
KerkeeWeb: www.karkeeweb.com/
Blanco & Bull: www.blancoandbull.com/blanco-...