Quite possibly the most iconic and enduring piece of British military clothing ever made. The Denison smock's history lies in the early part of WW2. Having seen the success of the German's airborne forces in Norway, Churchill ordered Britain's parachute regiment to be formed and expanded quickly. Initially the British copied the German parachute oversmock, called a knockensack, but soon developed their own large overfitting garment known as a Denison smock. The first iteration was introduced in 1942, and whilst there would be small changes, remained largely unchanged into the late 50s.
This is a stunning example of that first iteration. Initially produced in 'handpainted' camouflage and then quickly changed to the printed brushstoke camo, this first pattern is known for its single panel front construction, brass Newey studds, knitted cuffs and free hanging tail (known in the army as the 'under fork'). This is the classic ww2 pattern, produced in 1942 & 43, before the more common second pattern was introduced in 1944. The vast majority of the photos you see of the paras in Normandy or Arnhem has them wearing these first patterns. To find one these days in this condition is hard indeed.
The Jackets Parachutists 1942 Pattern that it's grouped with is one of the earliest examples I've come across. Designed as an overgarment, this piece would be worn on top of the Denison and any field equipment to prevent snagging on the rigging lines when parachuting. Typically these would then be discarded once on the ground.
Condition
Both the Denison and the Jackets Parachutists are in stunning condition and appear unused. The Denison itself has amazing unwashed colour to the camouflage, plus the label & acceptance stamps are all strong and very visible. A previous owner had stored it badly and moths had savaged the cuffs, so I've replaced the with the closest possible match available on the market today, using WW2 thread of the correct weight, colour and stitch length, and I will included the carefully unpicked originals with the smock. There is one flaw, what looks like a paint or rust stain on the sleeve (approx 5mm) that has worn through. I've put a nickel next to it for reference. The Jackets Parachutists appears unused, however there are a couple of issues with the teeth of the zip near the receiver box, it still zips and unzips well, but I wouldn't recommend doing this regularly.
Size
- Denison Smock:
- Tagged a size 4
- Pit to pit 32"
- Shoulder to shoulder 24"
- Shoulder to cuff 26"
- Collar to hem 32.5"
- Jackets Parachutists:
- Tagged a size 3
- Pit to pit 25"
- Collar to hem 38"