Since we are portraying Scottish soldiers of the 1940's, we need to keep in mind that once we put on the uniform, we must act and deport ourselves like our wartime namesake. At every WWII reenactment you attend, always present yourself in a military manner with proper grooming (short, period haircut), proper wearing of the uniform and equipment and correct and safe handling of firearms. This can only be achieved by research via the internet and from the reading list [ see Books ]. Fitness [ see Fitness Requirements ] plays a major role while in the field; we ask that all new members be in moderate to good physical shape. Also, and just as important, is spending time with the unit to practice drill, manual of arms, field craft and tactical deployments. Read Code of Conduct for Reenactors, courtesy, www.canadiansoldiers.com.
To maintain the highest standards possible, 6th KOSB Historical Reenactment Unit cautions all new members to work closely with their Section NCO or a veteran member to make sure all your purchases meet our requirements. Members have extensive amounts of gear for you to purchase at below market prices. We can also direct you to the right vendors in order to maximum your reenactment dollar.
You will find the majority of your uniform and equipment needs at What Price Glory (MAJ Jerry Lee, USA Ret'd, owner). Jerry has the best prices of any vendor we know and the service is second to none. Battledress (BD) Jacket The BD consists of a British WWII Pattern 1937 or Pattern 1940 jacket and pants. Post war pants with an added dressing pocket are acceptable, but the jacket must be of war time style in one of the original sizes (the 1949 pattern is not appro- priate). 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. Be advised: Greek and Dutch BD are acceptable. Headwear 6th KOSB Historical Reenactment Unit allows four (4) headwear items to be worn:
Footwear British WWII Black, cap-toe ammo boots are your best bet. However, other boots that mimic the look and style of the war- time British ammo boot are acceptable. We allow U.S. Army jump boots or any black, lace-up, cap-toe boot similar to the cut and manufacture of the British WWII boots. You can find U.S. jump boots at local surplus stores (or Goodwill or Value Village) for $10-$20 a pair. Boots are worn with British WWII P37 khaki web anklets. Anklet tabs must be khaki web with brass hardware. The Wool, Collarless Shirt The wool collarless shirt, sold by What Price Glory is acceptable. This shirt was worn tucked into the wool BD trousers with the suspenders worn over them. When the temp's rise, BD jackets will come off and personnel can fight in "shirtsleeve order". Cold Weather Items [ optional ] The British WWII Greatcoat or British WWII leather jerkin are optional items you may want to purchase once you have satisfied your basic items. The British WWII Greatcoat was a standard issue to all of the troops inNW Europe as was the leather jerkin. Both are excellent cold weather items; P37 webbing can be worn over both, increasing body warmth.
The basic web equipment should be war dated with brass metal parts. We provide new members the correct color of paint to “blanco” all of their webbing. The gear should include:
Approved Weapon(s) The only weapon we allow to be carried by the infantry are the British WWII No. 4 Mk. 1 .303 rifle with British P37 khaki web rifle sling. Those who wish to carry a Sten Mk II or III may do so with the approval of the Unit Commander (U/C). You will need a spike bayonet, bayonet frog (listed above) and .303 stripper 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.
Eyeglasses (eyewear) must be period. You can find wartime style eye glasses at local antique shops for $10-$15. Take them to any optometrist and he can fill your prescription. Another vendor is The Grand Spectacle which sells various styles of eyewear. Period watch (time piece) Modern Gucci-style watches are verboten! Walmart sells proper, round, bevel-faced watches with leather bands for $8.50. These are correct for WWII reenacting. |
| THE KOSB AT WAR 1939-45 A Second World War Historical Reenactment Unit in Texas, commemorating the service and sacrifice of the 6th King's Own Scottish Borderers in Northwest Europe 1944-45 |
| UNIFORM, EQUIPMENT & WEAPONS REQUIREMENTS |
| This page updated 18 Oct 2011. (c) Copyright. 2008. The King's Own Scottish Borderers at War (1939-45) A Second World War Historical Reenactment Unit. All Rights Reserved. Read our Disclaimer. Questions or Comments? Contact the webmaster. |
