Definitely one of the quirkier items that I've had in my possession! This has been in my collection for a number of years, but it's time to go and live with someone who will appreciate it more!
The standard 37 pattern webbing that was issued to British forces during the war wasn't entirely well liked, and in 1942 Col. Rivers-MacPherson developed the one piece 'Battle Jerkin', a large vest incorporating front chest pockets, a rear backpack, and multiple other pockets and attachments for equipment. These were used on D-Day, but again weren't well liked due to being heavy and hot and were largely abandoned and destroyed. They're amongst the hardest-to-find pieces of British militaria of WW2, and were also copied by the Americans for the Assault Vest famously worn by Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan.
The pattern of vest used on D-Day was in a dark brown canvas. I've heard plenty of rumours as to why a tan version was made, including them being an earlier pattern that were found too light for use on D-Day, or made specifically for use in the Mediterranean which never went ahead as they proved to hot/heavy to use. Either way, these ended up being stamped For Training Only. There are photos of them being used in NW Europe, but they seem to have only been issued sparingly.
A very rare piece of kit.
Condition
Deadstock and completely unused, however someone has removed the lower back pocket, likely to allow them to sit down - this was common with Canadian soldiers.
Size
- Stamped a medium
- Adjustable fit around the chest to max around a 42
- Measures approx
- 22" side to side
- 26" top to bottom