THE BLACK WATCH of CANADA LIVING HISTORY ASSOCIATION
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BASICS FOR WORLD WAR II MEMBERS
Caen event, 10/2007
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kitting out for patrol ( R. Campbell photo)

MILITARY BEARING AND BEHAVIOR:
 
Since we are portraying a Canadian soldier of the 1940's, we need to keep in mind that once we put on the uniform, we must ast like a soldier that we strive to honor.  Therefore, we need to present ourselves in a military manner with correct personal grooming, correct wearing of the uniform and equipment, and correct and safe handling of the firearm.  This can only be achieved by research via the internet and from the reading list (available to members) and more importantly, spending time with the unit to practice drill, manual of arms, field carft and tactical deployments.
 
 

UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT LIST:

To maintain the highest standards possible, the Black Watch cautions all new members to work with a unit veteran to make sure that all of your acquisitions meet our requirements. Many members have extensive amounts of gear for you to purchase at below market prices.

(Please refer to: www.canadiansoldier.com for good information and photos.)

 

BATTLE DRESS: The BD consists of a Canadian 1937 Pattern jacket and pants. Post war pants with an added dressing pocket are acceptable, but the jacket must be of the war time style in one of the original sizes (the 1949 pattern is not appropriate).   The jacket needs to be tabbed out with the regimental shoulder title and correct division patch.  The pants were held up by leather tabbed suspenders/braces in the Y pattern.  Most were tan or white, but other civilian patterns were worn.

 

HEADWEAR:  The Black Watch tam with a red hackle is the only correct cap.  The helmet is a Mk II style with Canadian style netting and a field dressing under the net.  Scrim (burlap strips for camo) is acceptable for field use.  The wool “camp comforter” is appropriate for cold weather events.

 

FOOTWEAR:  Black “ammo” boots without the toe cap was the WW 2 standard issue.  Other boots are acceptable if they can “mimic” this pattern. Web anklets/gaiters were worn cover the boot top and pants cuff.  Make sure that these anklets have brass buckles.

 

SHIRTS:  The pull-over shirt by “What Price Glory” is fine as well as later collared shirts.  The American GI M1937 shirts can do when you start out, but should be supplemented with the correct pattern shirts.

 

OTHER CLOTHING:  The Canadian troops were issued grey wool socks without any stripes and their undershirts were T-shirts dyed with a light coffee color.  Grey or tan boxers or boxer briefs can be worn when original style underdraws are not available.

 

COLD WEATHER WEAR:  The Canadian overcoat or a leather jerkin is good for very cold weather.  The overcoat was a standard issue to all of the troops inNW Europe. Collarless pull over sweaters with or without sleeves were very common in the army. They should be of a dark Khaki or light OD color. 

 

BASIC EQUIPMENT:

The basic web equipment should be war dated with all metal parts being brass.  We provide new members the correct color of paint to “blanco” all of their webbing.  Since British  1937 Pattern gear was common, we try not to paint /blanco Canadian marked gear (C ^) as it is rare and should be kept for displays, not field use.  The gear should include:

-         2 web belts (one of the gear and second to wear plain).

-         2 basic pouches with snap closures.

-         A pair of shoulder braces.

-         A bayonet frog.

-         A water and carrier.

-         A small pack with L straps.

-         A large pack.

-         A general service shovel (the e-tool and carrier should be purchased later).

-         A gas cape and a ground sheet were issued items, but a combination of these or with a rain cape would get most members started.

-         A Canadian grey wool blanket (black strip down the center).

-         A camouflaged face veil.

-         A Canadian style clasp knife.

-         A set of mess tins, an enameled mug (either brown or white) and a fork and spoon.

-         A light weight respirator bag (gas mask). 

-    Since the overcoat was standard issue, members should strive to acquire one of these.

 

 

 

WEAPON RELATED:

All members are required to use the Enfield Number 4 rifle.  These are readily available from many sources and they are a reliable firearm.  You will need a spike bayonet, web sling and .303 clips to go along with the rifle.  An Enfield cleaning kit with oiler and a pull-through are valuable additions as well as cotton bandoliers for the ammunition.

 

PERSONAL ITEMS:

Canadian soldiers rolled their personal items in a cotton “hold-all” that included a tooth brush, shaving kit, comb, pocket mirror, etc.  Many other items would a flashlight, period style wallet and wrist watch, and many more that can be researched.

 

FINAL NOTE:

In acquiring any of these items, we must remain true to the styles and details of the WW 2 era. Any deviation will detract from the over-all image that we are dedicated to portray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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