WW1 and WW2 uniforms

[deutscherinfanteriest]

I seen that in WW1 troops had full clothing (also in summer) and sometimes also overcoat, like French troops. Why in WW1 they had all clothing (Germans for example never had opened collar or rolled up sleeves) while in WW2 all troops had summer uniforms and had uniforms more "opened"?

 

[FROGSMILE]

The type of uniform issued in the British Service depended upon the general climate where they were serving.  In a temperate climate, like Europe at that time, most items of uniform were made of wool and based on a ‘layer system’.  

 

Each soldier had a basic wool uniform with underwear, including an undervest, underpants, knitted socks and a collarless shirt.  For colder weather he added a cardigan (buttoned jumper) beneath the jacket and, in severe weather, an overcoat (‘great’-coat) over the jacket.  

 

For inclement (wet) weather, as well as the greatcoats British soldiers were issued with a cotton backed, rubber lined gas cape that could also be used to keep off rain.  

 

Later in the war there was also a wool-lined, leather ‘jerkin’ (sleeveless over jacket) that was found to be better than the greatcoat in muddy conditions as it did not encumber the movement of legs.  However, it was not so convenient as a greatcoat for sleeping in (together with a blanket).

 

The wide use of wool was in part because Britain had a good woollen industry and ready access by sea trade to additional supplies of wool from Australia and New Zealand.

 

In intemperate (warm) climates a mixture of mainly cotton but also some woollen clothing was issued, as Britain had access to cloth from Egypt, China (Shanghai) and Hong Kong, as well as Jute and Linen from India, plus a significant Linen industry in Ireland.

 

For intemperate (cold) weather a mixture of woollen and fur garments were issued based on tried and trusted equipment developed in Canada, where from time-to-time Britain had had small garrisons of Regular Troops.  Although these garrisons had been withdrawn by the time of WW1, there was still a close relationship with the Dominion government there and specialised cold weather clothing was still available if needed.

 

In WW1 the combat uniform issued to British and Dominion troops was considered to be by many the most advanced in the world (something not the case in WW2).  Even the presence of four, easily accessible pockets on the outside of jackets was unusual when compared with other European armies in 1914.

 

As you can see Britain’s empire connections played a leading part with and influence upon the supply of uniforms.  The exact same influences played a similar part in WW2.

Edited 24 June , 2019 by FROGSMILE