Mike's guide to WW1 British and Commonwealth puttees

[@aldeng3608]

Mike, you've saved me and my friends many embarassments in our WWI reenacting careers. Our Puttees stay on the whole event, while the other guys are having to re-wrap every two hours.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

That warm feeling is the delightful sens of superiority :D

[@PsychoticLeprachaun]

I'm still waiting for these things to go into fashion. I always really liked how puttees and gaiters looked on old military uniforms but I don't want to go out and make people think I'm some crazy person

[@TwoMikesProductions]

PsychoticLeprachaun they are so smart when done well!

[@brute6896]

Yeah just make sure they match with your outfit

[@eanschaan9392]

Hey, style is cyclical. It will probably come around eventually.

[@Davmm96]

probably depends on your environment too. If you're out and about in the city you would indeed look like a lunatic but out in the woods people won't really care.

[@ShintyShinto]

@@Davmm96 Nah, you'd still look like a lunatic to anyone going for a stroll out in the woods. Even if you were doing bushcraft they'd wonder why you aren't donning bright green fluorescent gear.

[@tommcdonald1873]

Interesting story from the Battle of Passchendaele: MAJ (Acting) Talbot M. Papineau MC of the PPCLI CEF was known by those in the Canadian 7th Brigade for wearing his puttees backward, turning the puttees counterclockwise. When Papineau was killed on October 30, 1917, on the assault of Crest Farm his upper half was obliterated by a high explosive shell. It was his reversing the puttees that initially identified his remains on the battlefield. He was buried on the battlefield but his remains were never recovered. He is memorialized on the Menin Gate in Ypres.

[@HoJoCola]

But he wore a pair of presentation gaiters.

[@henriashurst-pitkanen8735]

Imagine being a Quebecois from a rural farm in the middle of nowhere in Quebec, and then being sent to Belgium to be torn in half by a shell. Poor Papineau.

[@tommcdonald1873]

@@henriashurst-pitkanen8735 the 60,000 men and women lost to Canada in WWI were all had potential. Papineau was likely destined for potential greatness, his letter for promoting national unity demonstrated that potential and he was a leader in his battalion, decorated with the MC for gallantry.

[@henriashurst-pitkanen8735]

@@tommcdonald1873 Of course, I just think the particularities of being a non-Anglophone fighting for Britain at a time when anti-English sentiment was still quite profound in Quebec.

[@joshuafirby4361]

Only problem I got is tree trunk legs lol

[@joegibson3916]

A very interesting video, thanks. As a note which might help:- I was issued with puttees when I joined the Royal Irish Rangers in the seventies, we were taught to start the puttee four lace-holes up and tie them off on the outside by wrapping the tape ends round the tape at the puttee "V" three times and tuck the loose end under the puttee V. When you are taking them off; roll the tape which keeps it straight and flat (A major fault at muster parade was having twisted tapes). This also made it much easier to put your puttees on, no need to control flying tapes because they are inside the puttee roll and they are not twisted.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Great tip Joe!

[@tomfox2343]

It’s cool to see that you’ve got some original Fox Bros puttees! Thomas Fox (the founder of Fox Bros) is my 5th great Grandfather and my parents still own the house he built for his family and now let it out as part of their business The Big House Co.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

You sir, have fine ancestors!

[@2Years2Farm]

Tom Fox that’s awesome my 3rd cousin is Amelia Earhart!

[@PatrickKniesler]

@@2Years2Farm Your 3rd cousin landed in my great-great-great-great grandfather's field in Long Island on one of her flights. He came out and complained he was ruining the furrows on his land and to get off. She used some very unladylike language and called him a peasant! lol

[@2Years2Farm]

@@PatrickKniesler that’s funny! It’s kind of hard to believe but I’ve talked with a lot of that side of the family and they all talk about it. That side of the family acts that way! Using unladylike words a lot actually. I think my great grandma remembers meeting her a few times. I think I might be more like 4,5 or 6th cousins but still, it’s an interesting thing to think about.

[@OhFishyFish]

I saw this video in my suggestions feed, clicked and I must say this is the most British man in the history of British men. Put him in the Season 4 of Blackadder, that would be bloody entertaining and jolly good fun for all the chaps watching!

[@elaineforan4751]

TBH i have no interest at all in reenactment, however i found your video and many of your commenters absolutely fascinating. Thanks for sharing and best of luck to you all in pursuing your passion. Take care.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Thank you kindly

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Cor blimey, 14k views near as dammit! Thanks guys for the support!

[@Raginglaswegian2008]

Mike keep making more first world war vids

[@경택오-x4b]

I have no idea why youtube has recommended this to me, but yeah, 'the twist'! that's how you do when you wrap up bandages(not everytime or everywhere)!. I can imagine that 'stepping' puttees problem coming out, some soldier complaining and a medic comes and 'oh mate you just have to twist it twice, no big deal'.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Ha! Exactly! Thanks for watching though!

[@ke6ziu]

So glad we used boot bands to blouse our trousers! I love how you said "polishing a turd!"

[@baron1595]

Wore the short Puttees in the 1970s and1980s.There was a method to putting them on and tying the tape . Beginning on the inner stitched seam of your DMS boot(the one that runs down alongside the inner lace holes)place the square end and begin to wind in a clockwise manner leaving a quarter of an inch between the turns. This should ensure that the pointed end winds up near the outer laceholes of the boot,facing rearwards.The tape is then wrapped around ,each turn on top of the other until about four to six inches are left.The end is pushed under the wrapped tape with a spoon handle a couple of times to tie off the tape and create a smart effect.They gave good ankle support but as someone said earlier in a comment the Direct Moulded Sole (DMS) boot was useless when wet as it couldnt 'breathe' and dry out.This was highlighted in the Falklands in 1982 which saw the DMS consigned to history soon after.Interesting video.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Excellent late puttees fact there!

[@HeatherTwist12]

Thank you so much for your explanations on historical leg wraps! I am not a re-enactor, but I have been working for a long time at figuring out how these work. You gave me the missing piece! The original WW1-2 puttees seem to be mainly knit wool (except maybe Japan: they seem to be woven). Based on the one I could work with personally, it feels like the very rugged and rather itchy wool like my father's old WW2 army blanket. Scratchy but it lasted forever. The wool would also be at least partially felted. Knits are stretchy. That plus all that texture, means they stay in place rather nicely. Like an Ace bandage! The Vikings used a wool tweed. But the way they did the weaving, used a single ply for both warp and weft, spun in opposite directions. This made a particularly stretchy and interesting cloth, according to a weaver I talked to who is re-creating it. The thread is pre-felted before weaving, and the cloth is surprisingly supple and robust. Now for my leg wraps … these days it really is not hard to find "knit wool" by the yard. I found some with about the same weight as the WW2 puttees. I cut two 4" strips such that they don't stretch much on the length, but they do stretch width-wise. I could add some twill tape to the end too, but so far I'm doing ok without it (just tuck in the ends). Wow .. I can make these as long as I want, they are way easier to wrap, and they stay in place! Feet feet are toasty warm too. Much, much much better than the plain felt often sold for re-enacting. It is important to get it stiff enough while still having some stretch. Modern knits don't "run" when they are cut, so it's easy to work with. Another thing I might try is to have someone with a sock-knitting machine, to knit me two 8' long "stockings" from un-felted wool. Then felt them. Those could be 1 or 2 layer knits, and it should be possible to get something a lot like the originals. There are people on Etsy that are making a business of customized sock knitting, using the old sock machines. Given that those were the kind of machines used back in the day to make socks, I wonder if they were also used to make puttees?

[@theprussian4616]

Thanks for the help. -The German Army.

[@kieranh2005]

Who were also using them by the end of the war

[@theprussian4616]

@@kieranh2005 I know. Hence the thanks. I own a pair of German puttees.

[@ellistonwebsite]

I agree with your assessment of SOF puttees. Great tip on the twist.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Thanks. Like I say, its a fixable disaster. :)

[@anthonyhayes1267]

I got my hands on some Aussie puttees. After wearing lousy replicas, the difference was practically euphoric to look at.

[@antoniescargo2954]

In 1940, Rotterdam, Walcheren, Vlissingen, my father also wore these puttees. Dutch marines. My father was not a marine but a zeemilicien. He belonged to the marines in may 1940.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Thats so cool! Dutch action in 1940 is something i know precious little about!

[@gavinperch9413]

I got the puttees from war memorial and I think they made the same way as the soldier of fortune ones. I honestly got them for the winter and I like constrictive clothing and they feel amazing.

[@TheHistoricalHiker]

Really useful, thanks! I got my hands on a vintage Norwegian pair but wasn't sure how to get them smooth

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Glad to help mate! They really are great for hiking too, I use them with my Italian Army boots (Great War ones) for hiking.

[@dodgydruid]

Wow takes me back as I was in during transition to 95 issue gear, I remember puttee's very fondly and still today I can do the single bar fastening. I also remember the RP blanco gaiters we had to wear when RPing, old WD department things and woe betide you turning up at the guardroom with anything but pristine white on belt or gaiters lol I didn't like the 95 issue stuff it was pretty crap, nothing like the 68 issue and sadly my 68 issue trousers gave up the ghost a few years back after years of wear outside in mud, rain, riding and the fabric just split then tore crutch to knee... got another pair of 68's and a few pairs of 84's since, couple weeks back also got a set of WD pattern ammo boots that are sooooo sweet to wear :)

[@TiddleIX]

Ho, Mike. Thanks for the instruction, just what I need for my First War look. My Great Uncle, who was an RSM in the Great War told me that they would thin down their trousers below the knee a little by taking a shallow 'V' cut out, to make a better fit. They would get two puttees and stitch them together to double the length, and wind them in a way that gave a criss-cross effect. I have his wedding-photo, and he has his puttees in just that style. I wonder how he did that? Any ideas? I expect he could get away with it, because he was an RSM. No-one argues with the RSM.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

To get the criss cross thing you actually do a neat twist or fold on every single layer. Gives the effect really well. Lots of images of people doing it in the war as it extends the life of worn out puttees basically. :)

[@TiddleIX]

Thank you very much for that, Mike. I guess that Uncle Bert would not have had worn-out puttees, and just criss-crossed them to look good for his wedding. One other thing he told me about his wedding. When he got home, he put his uniform into a tin trunk in the out-building and strictly told my Aunt not to touch it, he would sort it out himself. He must have put on a fresh uniform for the wedding service.. Being a good new wife, she decided to launder and press his uniform for him when he was due to go back, but when she opened the trunk, the whole thing was moving, alive with Lice and fleas. Uncle Bert was furious with her. I guess he did not want her to know how awful trench-life was. He told me they used to paint all the seams of their uniforms with creosote. THAT is the First World War to me.

[@TiddleIX]

I hadn't heard about ironing causing gas casualties at home. I remember as a kid being very amused when Uncle Bert told me they used to wee on their hankies as an early anti-gas measure. Uncle Bert was injured by chlorine gas which he said took a layer off his skin. I'm not sure if that is quite what happened, but it did stop him being out in bright sunlight, because his skin would bleed. He was a keen gardener, with an allotment, but could only work in the early morning and the cool of the evening. I guess it had something to do with losing protection against UV, as he was in the Fire Service in the Second War.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Very much so. They would have buckets in the trenches to dip hankies in. It moves on from there to the 'barley mow' mask, which is literally a sanitary pad and some goggles. Takes a long while before 1917 and the advent of the Small Box Respirator. Fascinating stories though about the sunlight and skin. Thank you!

[@AUSTINwazhere]

Moar please, I love videos about the functions of historic kit.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Next one will be one 08 webbing good sir!

[@hecksnekinc.2750]

I made a pair by cutting two strips out of a wool army blanket. They were able to seal without the twist so long as they were wrapped tightly enough, though I am glad I learned the trick. It may yet be needed.

[@HaakonTheViking]

I'm not a ww1 reenactor, I do some viking age stuff, mainly I dress up and go to festivals with my mates and get drunk, maybe do some archery and shoping. But I do wear puttees on a daily basis, because I livein northern Norway where we have a LOT of snow. I find that the cheap puttees are fine. The possitive thing is that they ae thick and vowen tight. This makes them less elastic, but they keep the elements out better, especially moisture. You do have to fold them when wraping though. I fold them twice at the front, making a criss-cross pattern, and they are just about long enough, but it takes some practice to get them all the way up to my knees.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I've got a viking style video as well!

[@HaakonTheViking]

@@TwoMikesProductions I know, it was good. Just ordered some more historically correct herringbone ones for my viking outfit. But even those will be worn for normal days with heavy snow, or if I'm going hiking or hunting. Leg wraps are pretty practical...

[@LowTecTV]

To be honest the leg wraps looks cool to me it, also great video

[@TwoMikesProductions]

They are my favourite historical garment.

[@lex1945]

I still remember my great granddad talking about them on how to put them on long ago. He hated them btw, but he never explained why though, after watching this video, I'm starting to have a guess..LOL!

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you sir for the clear explanation, instruction, and advice! I truly appreciate it!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

You are most welcome!

[@Viv884]

Cheers Mike!

[@1.1797]

Just got a pair of these today off Amazon. First thing I noticed when putting them on was the stepping. First time ever wearing these, so I thought it was me. Good info mate. 👍🤘✌

[@birchtree334]

I can weave so I was thinking about making some this winter so I can stay warm and dry and maybe not twist my ankle skiing and I just needed to know how long and how wide these should be and how to put them on. I'm 14 so I don't have the funds uniform recreation.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

9 feet long by 3 inches wide. If its not for re-enactment purposes then you could totally give a shot at weaving some. They should work well!

[@vinegartom8380]

Very interesting video, I'm thinking of getting into WW1 reenactment, and this video is a great help. Thanks for uploading this mate

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Thank you kindly! Good luck with your Great War journey!

[@vinegartom8380]

Thanks mate, all the best...

[@NSYresearch]

Where are you based Tom? Infantry, cavalry or corps ???

[@vinegartom8380]

I'm going for infantry mate; just started a new job so funds are a bit low at the moment, but slowly and surely buying all the kit

[@NSYresearch]

Vinegar Tom Where about are you ? There are some great units about

[@damatt9429]

First person I have seen who also knows about SOF - great site isn't it... I too love it.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Very useful, and by and large very good!

[@cosmorogers9617]

I dare to disagree completely on SOF aha

[@damatt9429]

in what way?- not to be confrontational, im just interested... i do hear mixed reviews

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I'd say their trousers, tunics, helmets, SBR's are decent. Serviceable stuff that works well. Their puttees are not good. Of course buying tunics and the like from people like Pegasus and Khaki on Campaign is one of the best options, but i've used an SoF tunic and Trousers for years and they look really decent. Avoid their stiff caps though...

[@damatt9429]

appreciated for your quick reply and i could not agree more. I tend to buy putties from vintage/ surpless stores that are original. Better quality and looks.

[@SandraNevins-c3l]

Thank you. My granddad thought I was silly how he put on "bandages". Well in my defense I was 5 years old. Travel well.

[@lolzman228]

the twist also works for gents that have large calves that produce a cliff of sorts on your legs.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Yep, it's a great solution.

[@AnaMT1985]

I liked this video primarily because you are funny, but I appreciate the history lesson as well.👍

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Thank you!

[@robertgiggie6366]

Where would you recommend to look for a nice pair of solid leather boots like yours? Thank you for explaining the Puttees in such great detail.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Best ones on the market are from William Lennon (the B5 replica they do is perfect). Soldier of Fortune do a serviceable pair as well.

[@kathryncarter6143]

The Russians have something similar to the puttees, but I don't recall their name. They had a great way to out the on too. Link is something like the Crazie Russian...

[@jaojao1768]

Thanks for the video! These puttes look really cool, and also I kind of like the ww1 era

[@cobraking1419]

Thanks for the help- NCR

[@ellistonwebsite]

Good information!

[@andrewgregory151]

I just tuck the string a couple times and it works fine

[@simonrobson2293]

Got issued ankle puttees when enlisted british army 1979,wore them till 1982 till we got issued different type of boot

[@TwoMikesProductions]

To think you were wearing a garment worn by infantry as far back as 1800bc Awesome longevity/.

[@LutzDerLurch]

Basically they are gaiters, but without the need for numerous buttons, buttonholes and a fitting to tailor them to each man.

[@kirillslavitonov9486]

He mentions Newville! Grand!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I'll be back out there next year!

[@kirillslavitonov9486]

@@TwoMikesProductions I do WW2 russian there, but Ive been there, it is a grand place indeed. Ive only been viewing your channel as there has been some interest in forming a living history group (for now) based around the Easter Rising of 1916. Thanks for the video on rifle drill as well, maybe someday we'll be large enough to host a battle between us and maybe some real RIC reenactors

[@dougc2568]

Interesting stuff. BTW, according to my late father his unit were still wearing puttees in France in 1940.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Yep! Brilliant device.

[@thra5herxb12s]

Bugger. The SOF ones are what I just bought.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Panic ye not! There are ways to fix!

[@ikllu190]

I do rkka reenacting, and even though this is more an English way of doing this, I appreciate the tying tip! I do have one question for you. I have a smaller ankle, or my boots around the top were cut wide. When I wrap my puttees I seem to have this ugly bulge from the boots. Is there any way to really fix that?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Wear a thick pair of socks, so that the gap between your ankle and the boot and the trouser is lessened. Asides that, its still an authentic thing to have boots with smaller ankles! :)

[@ikllu190]

Thanks for the tip! It did happen, I just prefer a better looking fit.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Totally understand. I like my kit to be spot on really. Give it a try with the thick sock, or it may be worth not blousing the trouser at all to put some more material between your ankle and the boot perhaps. Good luck! Show us the results!

[@babyinuyasha]

Just got an original pair of puttees today. They're American but they'll work!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Excellent, as long as they are good quality!

[@babyinuyasha]

@@TwoMikesProductions it's going to be harder to learn to wrap them because I wear a kilt

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@babyinuyasha long socks mate. If you are doing it for ww1 they wore shorter sets of puttees with kilts I believe

[@babyinuyasha]

@@TwoMikesProductions they wore full length ones too, I'm leaving mine full length because I don't want to butcher an original pair

[@euanketteringham5003]

Hi love the video very informative just a quick question how about the ones made in India cheers

[@TwoMikesProductions]

They look pretty garbage i'm afraid.

[@Moonlitverse]

Where can one buy these? I know someone who'd love a pair. Thanks!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I can supply them. If you head to facebook to Portals to the PAst Mike, we can talk about shipping.

[@utterpleb3037]

Hey Mike, love the video, I'm curious about the boots you are wearing, are they military surplus boots or are they civilian boots that look similar? Thanks.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

They are B5 Boots (replicas) from William Lennon. Lennons made them during the great war for soldiers and they continue that tradition by making the best replica of them on the market. Not cheap at nearly 200 quid, but honestly, I must have walked hundreds of miles in them and only replaced the hobnails once. They are my favourite boots.

[@utterpleb3037]

Mike Everest thanks for the reply, I'm glad they aren't cheap, I am looking for quality boots and am very partial to the great war aesthetic. So this is good news for me. Good work on your videos mate. Cheers

[@user-sg3wp2qs2b]

You probably didn't notice it, but Luke in Star Wars: The New Hope wears puttees.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I noticed it a while back and did a big old cheer when I saw it! :) Good taste you see, and the leading cause of the downfall of the baddies.

[@markconnelly1806]

Star wars was a space version of WW1 or WW2.

[@nickmail7604]

Was always taught to wrap them anti clockwise

[@MrRobmellor]

Hi Mike. Are you going to do a video about first world war one arm bands and what they meant. I would find it very useful as my grandfather is wearing one in a photo taken in Egypt around 1916, and I wondered what they were for. Great video, thanks.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Ooooh, it's an arcane science by 1918, but I can take a peek at the pic if you send a link here or my portals to the past Facebook page.

[@MrRobmellor]

I will get my mate to forward it for me next week. Many thanks. Another thing that will be seen in the photo is that the souls on the boots look very thick,as if they were clogs. Many thanks for your interest.

[@gillnosowitz2795]

Weebs: Isn't it cool how Samurai would wrap their bodies in bandages as clothing? WWI soldiers: Am I a joke to you?

[@mightymichael2501]

I can't quite find any of those '80's Puttees' i don't want to use original WW1 puttees especially because of the rarity, but those 80's ones look very good...

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Yeah if you can find em! There are some on ebay at the moment. If you ebay search Puttees there are some good ones on there. Three sets is what you need.

[@madmeerkat1158]

very interesting

[@martinvasilevki9281]

What is the material used for the putteess? And how long they have to be?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Stretchy wool, and between 9-12 foot long. They must be woven for purpose rather than cut from strips of cloth. :)

[@martinvasilevki9281]

@@TwoMikesProductions Thank you!

[@Raginglaswegian2008]

Alright mike, could you stitch two of the sof puttees together to achieve a similar effect?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Might not be long enough. You could give it a go, but you might get problems with them being a bit short.

[@briansworld7153]

Good morning Sir, Can you please tell me how long are they and what fabric are they made of? Thank you very much for your video Sir, I liked it a lot! Greetings!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Proper ones need to be made from specifically woven for purpose fabric basically. It cannot be cut from just straight cloth as basically it wont work properly

[@briansworld7153]

@@TwoMikesProductions Thank you very much Sir for replying so fast. The video was very useful! I have subscribed to your channel.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@briansworld7153 Cheers!

[@warstories1790]

As an Australian viewer I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of some guides for Australian Great War kit and other things like that Many thanks

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Lawrence ordnance makes superb Australian kit for great war, and if you want to get top quality stuff go to them for it . :)

[@ottoman_reenactor_ct]

Thanks but what about wearing them on your legs without the trousers (mainly with KD shorts we usualy see on gallipoli or the middle east)

[@TwoMikesProductions]

To do it without trousers for Great war stuff, I wear a pair of long socks underneath them. It the socks are wool they will cling to it well. You can actually wear them directly onto the skin as well, but this can become uncomfortable for people not used to them. :)

[@samuelhyde7144]

Incredible Video! I can’t find original British puttees, but I can find original American ones. Would these also work for a British impression?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

The colour is slightly different, but honestly, the way they bind to your legs will be much better if they are a proper fit. Give it a shot!

[@SKINWALKER]

| Oi mate! Do you have a video addressing how a Bloke can warp their ankle puttees???

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Ankle Puttees! WHAT DEVLIRY IS THIS! I do not have a video as such, and rather than me japing and saying 'just stop about a minute into the tutorial' I think there is a dude that does ankle puttees called Devin K. Good luck!

[@NathanaelTheAussie]

Hi mate! Sorry, just one inquiry. I am planning on running an authentic tactical training for a WW1 tactical event that specifically doesn't involve trenches. I have seen plenty of vids on the matter but I am always keen to find where I can get some more sources that I haven't found yet to get more ideas. Am setting this up to get a brand new group on the go and an old one that has gotten complacent doing commemorative and imagery stuff back into it.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Nate The Aussie well worth checking out the events that happen at Fort Niagra with their summer training camp. They do exactly this with no trenches. So using things like battlefield obstacles to broadly represent open field warfare from late 1918 or early 1914.

[@NathanaelTheAussie]

Mike Everest thank you. It's such a pity the group I mentioned's excuse for not doing tactical training is 'we don't have a trench', when there is such a wealth of sources that explain tactics outside of trenches. I tried looking up fort Niagara WW1 event, but I could only find 7 years war and 1812 stuff. You wouldn't happen to know of any vids would ya?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@NathanaelTheAussieMy mistake, its Camp Niagra at Fort George! I got confused. Try that one. here is their FB stuff. facebook.com/Camp-Niagara-at-Fort-George-762420333863243/

[@zhaneranger]

What type of boots are you wearing? What make and model? Place to buy?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

William Lennons Replica B5 boot. The Best repro boot for Great War british re-enactors. williamlennon.co.uk/shop/world-war-1-replica-boot/

[@nickengineroom]

G’day Mike . I have subscribed and thanks for your Channel! 🙏 I have both Great Grandfather’s that fought in the Great War . Pappa was a light horseman in the Middle East who made it home and Grandad fought the battle of Broodsiende. He never made it home . Q please - is there a regimented way to wrap or can the soldier wind clockwise or anti clockwise . Thanks again foe the channel . Blessings from Australia 🇦🇺👍

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Hello! Love the light horse connection! To wrap properly you should be starting on the inside and going out. My brain cant comprehend clockwise or anti clockwise so I start on the inside and head out. The video properly describes it rather than me fumbling over a keyboard. But importantly they need to be opposite from each other. Thanks!

[@nickengineroom]

@@TwoMikesProductions Thankyou. I will share your channel .

[@user-yo1fb1kg4omykehiggs]

Hi there, I own a pair of WW1 puttees I think they're Fox Bros. and I was wondering, could I use them as dark age winnigas? As it seems a shame to let them go to waste.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I mean, i've seen it before! :D You could, but make sure you take it to your authenticity officer first.

[@BFMV1000800040]

Hey there, your videos are very helpful, I have a complete WWl US uniform from 1918 they're very easy to find. But, I like the british more, it's very much equipped etc. Do you know where can I find an original uniform? Thanks.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Original uniforms get very pricey very quickly , but eBay UK often has original stuff on it. Be prepared for 1000 dollars or there abouts for a tunic though! Good luck . :)

[@BFMV1000800040]

@@TwoMikesProductions oh!! Didn't expect that... British WWI uniforms are beautiful, pretty fancy! Are your uniforms original? Greetings from mexico 🇲🇽

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@BFMV1000800040 pretty much all my uniform and webbing should s modern reproduction. I have lots of original bits like rifles etc, but I don't want to damage old and precious stuff really :)

[@NSYresearch]

Hi Mike .... Fancy doing a video of cavalry style fitting 😉😉😉😉

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I absolutely could for you. Our next video is on Webbing maintenance (we will be filming shortly) but we will do a horsey sort of thing for you too.

[@NSYresearch]

Mike Everest Cheers, being a big old unit I've added extra length to mine so I can add the twists. Did you know Andrew Upton has sets of puttees made from Fox's cloth ?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I did, they are three part jobbies which are great quality.

[@kellye2013]

You know, if you bow the string at its base during removal, then your next wrapping won't require you to toss that long fastener strap.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Top tip!

[@SirCaseyoftheLea]

Very helpful! But why don't you need to wrap them around the foot like you do with winingas?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

They are specifically worn this manner in the great war to keep things out of your boots basically. :)

[@SirCaseyoftheLea]

Mike Everest Thank you! I really enjoyed both this video and your video on winingas! (Or to be really nerdy about it, vaf-spjörr!)

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Thank you kindly! They are my favourite bit of kit in all periods! :)

[@jekabsojarsulskis9740]

Damn, now I want those. Unfortunately, they would be impractical to use and keep in Europe . But still is nice to know what those are and how to wrap them properly. Also quick question: ,, When you hit your puttee's with the back of your hand, where they solid?'' Because I could hear an audible smack.

[@5oclock_Charlie]

The rain kicked up and I heard a kid yelling 'Dad!" 😂

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Yeah you can see Me rapidly wrap up the video after that. She was amazing to not come up for that long!

[@thejackandtomshow2776]

I been to soldier of fortune great shop !

[@trojanette8345]

Educate me a little bit. What was the purpose of the puttee? Was it an early 20th century 'leg warmer'? Was it meant to keep bugs and other insects from crawling up your legs? OR Was it meant to be used solely to compliment the overall look of the officer's uniform? Which is it?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

They protect your legs from being shredded by things like thorny undergrowth, stop things getting in your boot and keeps your legs warm. Worn by soldiers since around 500BC

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@LousianaXVII not in the British army no, but there were rumblings a while back of returning to them

[@Jesusandbible]

Beside reenactments, are these really useful as kit, or do gaiters surpass them and leave them now defunct?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I still go shooting in mine as Puttees and boots are still much lighter than wellington boots, and for me Gaiters can be tediously fiddley.

[@padmeamidala6563]

Nice puttees mate!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Thank you sir!

[@padmeamidala6563]

Mike Everest np! I'm trying to make a custom ww1 action man, and I need to know what colors of puttees and cloth to use. Cloth is for the uniform. Tax mate! British Tommys rule! Sorry for answering so late.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

There are some cracking companies that do 1/6 scale equipment for action figures out there. Dragon does some I think?

[@padmeamidala6563]

Mike Everest thx so much mate. I wanted to make a very historical. British tommy. Thx so much for replying, sorry i commented so late, I fell asleep, thx again! Ta mate!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Not a problem, I dont pick em up till the morning! Cheers!

[@sterbi9722]

What length are long puttees supposed to be, I have a pair of short puttees that are 38 inches but I see websites that say they have original ww1 puttees that are also 38 inches

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Between 8 and 9 feet long for full sets

[@comradebusman3]

Where should I look for puttees to buy? Not doing a wwi outfit, instead doing a costume of the death korps of krieg from warhammer 40k, but they’re heavily inspired by wwi history and they have khaki puttees (at least the ones I’m doing the costume of do anyway). Any ideas where I can find the boots and puttees I’m looking for?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

WPG (What Price Gloiry) do a decent repro in Kahki Drab, will work well for DKoK. Since much of their kit is based on French (even though they have a German-ish sounding name) you cant go wrong with a late war french style to it, but with Khaki Drab puttees.

[@comradebusman3]

@@TwoMikesProductions sweet, thanks!

[@comradebusman3]

@@TwoMikesProductions these look like they’ll do nicely, thank you very much!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@comradebusman3 No worries! Enjoy!

[@fosty.]

Where can I get one of those moustaches though?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

They are found on nettle patches in their catterpiller form in spring! Good luck!

[@ikllu190]

That's the thing with M.35 trousers haha, the have a tie off near the ankle so it's almost like you have to tuck them in

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Aha! By the thickest, chunkiest socks your granny can make then I reckon is your best bet. :)

[@The_Jawnski]

Doughboys would do the same thing, right?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Precisely so!

[@todorminchev2123]

whats the difference between puttees and a winingas ?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Essentially nothing put the name. The design is identical to the ones the Romans were using when they invaded Gaul and Germania. How cool is that!

[@todorminchev2123]

interesting i think that some people also wore some sort of woolen wraps but they were one piece and have string attached to the top so you can simply make a tie any idea what that might be ?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Ah yes i've seen those in roman and Iron age context, but I cannot remember the name of them. Shall have a dig for you!

[@sebastiengravelle6482]

Hi, I wonder how I can get into reenactment. I have been looking everywhere. I am from Canada, got any leads or ww1 regiments in Ontario or close? Awaiting your answer, Sebastien

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Princes Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry are your vest bet out in Ontario. They have an active facebook conact group if you search for them. Good luck!

[@sebastiengravelle6482]

Mike Everest thank you I will be taking a look!

[@sebastiengravelle6482]

Oh and love the channel, good work!

[@thIDthIRreenactor]

Now I use original puttees but what about the newer toppots repro puttees

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Just checked. They looked like they are just cut strips of cloth. You will probably have the same problems as any other repro like SOF. Caveat Emptor.

[@thIDthIRreenactor]

@@TwoMikesProductions ah well it's good that I use originals then

[@clawhammer704]

Iv got a picture of my grandfather in WW1 standing in front of cannon. He’s wearing these wraps in it. He was a US army soldier.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Yes there are numerous US army units who also wore these too! Though I think many were issued gaiters while in the united states, some of them were also wearing puttees while in france. Thats about the extent of my knowlegde on Americans wearing them though and there will be lots more qualified to verify that :D

[@brizzy5233]

Hi, I noticed that a lot of Soviet soldiers in WW2 wore these as well, and a lot of them seem to stop just below the calf or the mid way up the leg, what do you think the reason might be?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Good question! Perhaps it's either a lack of raw materials or a style shift after the army realises it can get away with less. The British army shifts to having them small enough to be anklets basically so it may be that.

[@brizzy5233]

@@TwoMikesProductionsThat may be so, and even though a lot of their puttees do not stop above the calf to prevent it from falling, they seem to not have any problems of them falling, and I guess that's the point of having them wrapped tight on your legs, as their style of puttees are literally the same as the WW1 style with a thin strap that goes around the top to hold it in place.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@brizzy5233 That will be down to hours and hours and hours of them knowing exactly how to do it. Wheras we are just playing dressup basically. :)

[@brizzy5233]

@@TwoMikesProductions Could it work just as effectively though with it being lower? When worn low I found them to be more comfortable when crouching and maneuvering if you can even say that....they don't really fall down as much as I thought they would either.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@brizzy5233 I've always sworn by the high puttees and they have never constricted me or been less comfortable at all. That said... i'm not the millions of soldiers from the soviet union! :D

[@rainyangel1]

Oh no!! I wish I had watched this first! I bought the crappy ones and am having all of the problems!!! What I really need is a tan/white set, but I couldn't find any. I am dressing like George Mallory for Halloween...

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Not a problem! You can fix the puttees with the twist. And if its just for Halloween then its not a big issue! :)

[@rainyangel1]

Thanks so much for responding! So, might you know where I could find a set that is tan or khaki (not olive green)? Puttees in Tan/Khaki color seem to be impossible to find...but I noticed you had a pair or two of white ones... Please see the image...or google "Conrad Anker as George Mallory" for an example. :D i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/09/17/article-1312794-0B36BE74000005DC-88_468x501.jpg THANK YOU!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Liz DaBorn can do you a set of pale or white ones which will be excellent. facebook.com/Elisabeth-DaBorn-Art-and-Textiles-148588911840817/

[@rainyangel1]

Thank you! I will look into those!!

[@rainyangel1]

Hi Mike! I just wanted to give you an update - I was able to find, and purchase an authentic pair of tan Fox Wellingtons from the Collector's Guild. They are in great condition, the right color and length - and looked great with my outfit! I spoke with Liz DaBorn, and got a quote, but she was too busy with other orders at the moment. Thank you again for all of your help!! www.germanmilitaria.com/OtherNations/photos/C017570.html

[@padmeamidala6563]

Cheers mate!

[@UltimateAleks]

Mike, what are these boots and where can I get them?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

William Lennons B5 Replica Trench Boots. From the same company that had a contract to repair them during the great war. Epic Militaria have them off the shelf, or if you have massive feet like me, you order them direct from William Lennons. They are a little prucey but will last a lifetime.

[@UltimateAleks]

@@TwoMikesProductions Thanks so much!

[@TwoMikesProductions]

You are most welcome! I hope you get some!@@UltimateAleks

[@tylerthegrimm]

Is there a modern version of something like this? Something soldiers today could have for a bit more protection or to keep their feet warm?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

I think modern advances in things like Neoprene socks and the like are pushing away the use of leg wraps and puttees and gaiters. But the British Army is nothing if not prone to hoarding old stuff that it is likely to never need again under the pretence of 'you never know! It cold come in handy!'

[@chazt8604]

Wnen we stopped using puttees we started getting issued gaiters - not as a replacement really but part of a general improvement in cold and wet weather clothing after the Falklands (it took a few years though to really gain momentum).

[@brizzy5233]

Do you know anything about the quality of puttees from Man the Line?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

MtL have dropped considerably in recent years, with some real horror stories coming from them. However, WPG are doing a really decent go at Foxes puttees that are woven correctly, you just need to overdye them.

[@brizzy5233]

@@TwoMikesProductions I see, I haven't heard or seen much info about WPG, how would you rate WPG?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@brizzy5233 What Price Glory have really gotten a lot better in recent years. Their rain capes are great, and their leather is actually good too. Puttees wise its always best to try for those NATO ones on ebay, but WPG are decent with their fox repros now.

[@brizzy5233]

@@TwoMikesProductions thanks for the info, I know this has been like a Q&A sort of thing, but I know that the Soviets used wool puttees of course, but some were made out of a canvas material, would canvas puttees be similar to SoF puttees in terms of the way it wraps or worse?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@brizzy5233 canvas won't stretch like wool at all. If it gets wet it will get tighter and Shrink, which on your legs is a recipe for a really bad time. No such thing as dumb questions though matey, ask away!

[@AlbinoAxolotl1993]

How are the puttees by Warreplica?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Never heard of them, but just checked. The cloth is interesting but on the photos i'm afraid I cant tell the quality. They do *look* better than the SOF ones, but I cannot give a solid answer either way on that i'm afraid. If you do end up going for them, let me know what you think!

[@JEFFBALOO007]

Curious, are you still selling any sets?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Not at the moment sir, but I will be blagging some soon!

[@pyrogothica3906]

is there a specific place you would recommend getting puttees from?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

If you are in the US, I can supply a pair for $50 all in. If you want to get in contact, drop me a line at the 'portals to the past Mike' page

[@pyrogothica3906]

Mike Everest thanks! that'd be great! I'll try to do that in some time, I don't get my next paycheck till the 1st of Nov but once that hits I'll be sure to drop you a line and see if you still can.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

No rush dude. I have plenty!

[@montbrehain]

Nice boots ! who was the manufacturer ?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Hi there! They are B5 boots by William Lennons. The best boots I own by far. They were making them during the war. :)

[@montbrehain]

Thanks for the reply , Yeah I thought so ;-) The best out there ! It may be of interest to know that 30 years ago I visited FOXs of Wellington and bought all the long puttees they had (112 inches +tabs.) I also bought lots of "runs" of Puttee material , that my wife then made 64 pairs from. I still have some left in my collection and lots of FOX labels ....

[@TwoMikesProductions]

If you still have any that you want to get shot of I would very much be able to find them homes!

[@bryant7542]

I wonder why they stopped wearing these as standard after WW2. I have noticed that some American soldiers in WW2 had a strange sock type sleeve going up their legs as well.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

The sock/sleeve thing is called a 'gaiter' and works well in a similar capacity as the Puttees. The British Army were still wearing these on and off until the 80s! :D

[@bryant7542]

Mike Everest That's awesome. I love the look and they're effective as well.

[@ivanrohozka8387]

If i do a scottish soldier i should have the shorter once...is that right or am i wrong?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

You need the 'Spats' type gaiters or shorter puttees yep.

[@cortott6105]

Where would you recommend getting a pair of boots from?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Best you can get are from William Lennon. They made them during the war and their repros are second to none . Pricey but the best

[@cortott6105]

Mike Everest how do you treat your boots?

[@TwoMikesProductions]

@@cortott6105 Missed this! Sorry. I use Carrs leather oil every other month, and regular clear woly dubbin on the months I dont oil them basically.

[@gladiatordude3723]

Are they the same price because if not what if your working on a budget

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Basically if you can find them for less than 30 quid then you are onto a winner and should immediately jump on them. Other than that, if you are working on a budget, you should definitely partition funds to get the absolute basic kit right before anything else. Its no good having a really great looking rifle thats of super quality, if your puttees and basic kit are not up to scratch basically.