The change from Tropical to Temporat Uniforms.

[Ian M]

So the Run up through Italy was the Desert armies moving over to Sicily then onwards to Italy. They at some point in time they all appear in British drab BDU and with green lids.
Anyone have any idea how this came about?
Was it random as in some needed new uniforms so got the brown European theatre uniforms?
Was it as replacements arrived, either Unit or individuals...
Did they have a general order and a mass uniform switch?
Times, dates, places, anyinfo at all?

[Guest]

I don’t know for sure, but I suspect the troops in-country got khaki battledress¹ issued because the terrain and/or weather weren’t suitable for the paler, lightweight khaki drill desert uniforms. Vehicles were repainted to suit the non-desert terrain not that long after the Italian campaign moved onto the mainland, so it wouldn’t be farfetched to assume uniforms were changed for the same reason. Oddly, though, they seem to have retained the pale desert blanco for web gear until the end of the Italian campaign?


¹ Not “BDU”, that’s the American 1970s–2000s combat uniform.

[Gary MacKenzie]

and lots of info @ https://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/ind...html#msg244806 , no specific dates for changes , but footage that may help whether a particular set of troops were wearing which variation.

[Airborne01]

Variations on Blanco, including pale sand etc, was used in some training establishments (and TA, REMF (rear echelon troops including Military Nick) until the mid 60's- another way of creating mayhem and disorientation for the poor put-upon squaddie! We also had '44 Pattern web equipment , jungle green clothing, and old-style Bergans (picture to follow) for years! Well, we had to ensure politicians could afford their pay rises .... sorry Admin!
Steve

[Ian M]

Thanks.
@Jakko , the vehicles are easy, plenty of information to be found on them, about the uniforms, not so much.
Hmm BDU my bad self abbreviation for battledress which is what the British called them. Subsequently became known as no. 5 uniform.
Gary MacKenzie , cheers I'll look at that later.