Uniform Question

[richardp@comsine.co.uk]

Dear all

I have been given my grandfather's leather ammunition pouch and pistol holster. When I was a child I recall being told that they were from the 1St WW (my grandfather was a CSM/WO II in the 24th Battalion London Regiment), but my father is now saying that my grandfather had them made for him in the 2nd WW when he was a Captain in the Home Guard.

I imagine that if they were from WWI, then they would have been worn with a Sam Browne, but were WO II's allowed to wear these? I've seen various posts on the subject of WOII unifroms, but I couldn't see anything definitive.

Any ideas much appreciated as usual

Richard

[Andrew Upton]

A picture speaks a thousand words

[Ron Clifton]

Hello Richard

I don't think that WOIIs had Sam Browne belts but they were not equipped with pistols. However, some ORs had pistols, notably range-finders and pipers (although the latter would not apply in your case).

Your best bet would be to re-post this query, preferably with a photograph, in the "Paraphernalia of War" section of the Forum, which has sub-forums on uniforms and equipment. The uniform buffs on the Forum may not see it here.

When you re-post, I should also include details of any markings on the equipment which might suggest a date. If they were NOT privately purchased, but were official Army issue, they should at least have the WD and arrow-head mark, and may have a unit abbreviation as well.

Ron

[richardp@comsine.co.uk]

Thank you Andrew and Ron - good advice and I will do as you suggest Many thanks Richard