Korea - send in the Commandos ! Help needed

[fsn]

  You oiked me! 




Found the photo on an old thread. Couldn't resist.

[holdfast]

Coming late to this thread, there are some puttees in the picture mix as well. I can personally testify that puttees were still being worn on operations as late as 1998 in Bosnia.

[FierceKitty]

Assailing Dover, are they?

[Techno]

Obviously not....I can't see a single bluebird.

Cheers - Phil

[Sunray]

Coming late to this thread, there are some puttees in the picture mix as well. I can personally testify that puttees were still being worn on operations as late as 1998 in Bosnia.

As one who wore them, I can confirm that gaiters were the issue post WW2/Korea.  The wrap round puttee came in late 1960s/early 70s. Both worn with first the "Ammo" and then the  DMS boot.  The pussers (RN) still worn a high gaiter with 4 straps until quite recently.  I can recall Rifle regiments and TA/Cadets soldiering on with black gaiters.

The puttee remained as dress requirement when the short ankle (DMS) boot was worn. In Operation Banner the unofficial Doc Martin was adopted as early as 1976.(by the Royals - who else!)

The Falklands was the swansong of the DMS (apart from No2 on parades).   As a point of interest I would like to know which unit was still wearing them with putties  in Bosnia ? Mind you I saw an OC of 1  Royal Welch in Gorazde (95??)  wearing Barbour gortex gaiters which were popular in that era.  It was not a theatre where RSMs would enforce dress bull and slack order could be good for morale.

[Techno]

I'm not re-doing them, now ! 

Cheers - Phil

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Obviously not....I can't see a single bluebird.

Cheers - Phil

Not surprising, does is native to North America.

I was certainly issued gaiters, in raw canvass, blacked with good old Kiwi.  Bought me own puttees, and 58 pattern webbing, issue was 38.

IanS

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

British Army - winning battles with 40 year kit since 55BC!

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

On a forward slope, in the rain at point where two maps join. (FM Slim)

[holdfast]

 As a point of interest I would like to know which unit was still wearing them with putties  in Bosnia ?

There were some rogue elements in HQ SFOR who wore them. Mollinary was there and can confirm!

[Dave Fielder]

Putties in Bosnia!! Was that the 1798 campaign with Tricorns and smootbores?

BTW when are 41 Commando going to be ready? Me want.

[Sunray]

As a point of interest I would like to know which unit was still wearing them with putties  in Bosnia ?

There were some rogue elements in HQ SFOR who wore them. Mollinary was there and can confirm!

Makes sense, they had a fiercely guarded reputation for not getting out much. 

[Sunray]

BTW when are 41 Commando going to be ready? Me want.

Patience. Pendraken have outsourced the making of the Royals to a place called Lympstone.  I have instructed Leon to add some genuine mud from the River Ex - plus blood swat and tears gleaned from the Bottom Field (Google it you maggots) into the mould.

In the Royals they call it the "Ex Factor"  

[paulr]

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/october/10/131010-us-marine-tackle-bottom-field

Sorry Bigjackmac, couldn't resist

[Dave Fielder]

Ah, the smell of the River Exe mud ... it keeps my skin young looking.

[Sunray]

Ah, the smell of the River Exe mud ... it keeps my skin young looking.

Yeah - they called it the Exe Factor 

[Steve J]

Oh deary me Sunray!

Recorded a PBS 2 part documentary on the Battle of Choisin last night. Started watching it today and so far loads of great footage; Marines in winter gear with camo helmets and rucksack covers, as well as Marines looking as if they'd just landed on a Japanese held island in WWII.

[Sunray]

Oh deary me Sunray!

Recorded a PBS 2 part documentary on the Battle of Choisin last night. Started watching it today and so far loads of great footage; Marines in winter gear with camo helmets and rucksack covers, as well as Marines looking as if they'd just landed on a Japanese held island in WWII.

Interesting. I served with some "old hands" who had been in Korea Nov 1950 when the Artic conditions began. Caught out the temperate clad UN forces.

Hungham was the American version of Dunkirk.   Might well offer scenarios  that transfer well to table top ?

We need a dedicated set of BKC sub rules for Korea.

[Poggle]

Interesting. My late father in law was one of the Frozen Chosin veterans. He took a mg burst across the legs, invalided out at the tender age of nineteen. 😞

[John Cook]

Swing the lamp and pull up a sand bag!