Basic Army Impression
Basic Dress Clothing -
The M1937 Wool shirt and trousers were used by all troops throughout the whole war. A set of Wools are the primary set of clothing all reeenactors must have. Accordingly this is what most units based their "basic army impression" clothing list on.
HBT's were used for fatigue duty and training. They were used in Africa (1st Pattern), and to go over the wools during Normandy landing (2nd Pattern) to protect against gas attack. They were soaked in a sticky material to protect against gas attack. They were mostly ditched after a few days because a soldier can only carry so much weight when moving on foot and because wearing a sticky uniform is not very comfortable. Some surely held on to them (mostly the trousers because they had big pockets). In Sept and Oct of 1944, some units started getting M43's until by war's end, when most units were issued M43's. The HBT's were used as a combat uniform mainly in the PTO.
HBT's are considered a secondary piece of clothing, and should not be consider pimary. And when worn they are too be worn "over" your Wools. At events which have high temperatures, accomodations are made to wear them without the Wools, but never during a event with mild temperatures.
Boots -
The Type II (1939) Garrison shoes were used throughout the war. Everyone had them for Africa. In June of 1943, they started issuing the Roughout service shoe. The old shoes were replaced as needed as they wore out. Roughout service shoes were not allowed to be worn stateside. In November of 1943 they authorized the Combat boots (or the double buckle boot as reenactors like to call them). They did not begin issuing them until September or October of 1944. These were issued as needed to replace the service shoes and leggings. The troops in Italy got them a little earlier as a field test of the new boots (the 45th ID If my memory is correct).
Our unit protrays the common Army Soldier, accordingly it is not necessary to purchase a paratrooper Jumper Boot. But for those who have them, they can be worn, if covered by the pant leg, and leggings. Combat Boots, or commonly referred to as "double buckle" boots can also be used if they to are covered by the pants leg, and leggings during "early war" events. And of course are allowed at "late war" events.
For those making their first purchase though, it is best to purchase either the Garrison (Service/Russet) shoe, or the the Roughout. The advantages to purchasing the Garrison shoe, is the shoe can be worn in combat and also with a dress uniform (commonly referred to as Class A's). The Roughouts are more comfortable, and can be used in PTO battles in a Marine impression, but cannot be worn with a dress uniform.
Jacket -
The Army came out with a variety of jackets or heavy shirts. Some were for the airborne units, some for the army infantry soldier, and still others for the armored units, and rear eschelon units doing maintenance and supply transport.
The "Tanker" jacket and Overall trousers were actually called the "Winter Combat Uniform." They were issued to more people than just tankers, but they Tankers and people in motorized units probably got them 1st. They came out for issue in the spring of 1942.
For the purpose of reenacting throughout World War II, you start out your "basic army impression" with the M41 Jacket.
Trousers -
These are the examples of the four standard trousers, which go with the Jackets pictured above. When HBT's are mentioned, it is normally the 2nd Pattern version pictured below, rather than the 1st Pattern type, which was used briefly at the beginning of the War in Africa for the Amry and throughout the war for the Marines in the Pacific.
Getting Started -
The basic army impression consists of the following:
1. M1 Helmet
2. M41 Jacket
3. M1937 Wools-Shirt
4. M1937 Wools-Trouser
5. Tourser Belt
6. Cartridge Belt
7.a First Aid Pouch
7.b Carlisle Bandage
8.a Canteen-Canteen
8.b Canteen-Cover
8.c Canteen-Cup
9.a Haversack
9.b Meat Pouch (holds mess kit)
10.a Shovel-Shovel
10.b Shovel-Carrier
11 Boots-Roughout or Garrison
12 Leggings
13. Cap-Garrison Cap or Jeep Cap
14. Mess Kit & Utencils
15. (2) OD Wool Blankets
16. M1 Garand Rifle
But if it's your first event, it is not necessary to have the haversack, meat pouch, or mess kit & utencils. Also you don't need the shovel and shovel cover. But you may want a fork or spoon for lunch.
The best place to get outfitted is to visit our unit's quartermaster page. We don't give you some non-discript list and sending you out on your own looking for these items. So check the quartermaster page for all the links to both the "repro vendors" and also the "ebay links" for each of the items listed above. Also go to the units quartermaster section of the forums for detail discussion of individual pieces of gear, clothing and weapons related issues.
Getting dogtags, a watch, a lighter, pocket knife, M1 Garand Bayonet, are nice to have but not necessary. In the end you should look like this for your first event.
PHOTOGRAPH IS AN ACTUAL ARMY PRESENTATION - CIRCA 1941
