A
word of caution about the uniforms and equipment you see on
re-enactors: the items may be actual relics from WWIl, they
may be similar postwar products, or they may be replicas.
And replicas may not adhere to the same regulations that governed
the production of the original items. So without asking a
re-enactor about the origin and history of his gear, you shouldn't
assume they are "real." Since I did not ask any
of these fellows about the lineage of their equipment, take
these photos as a guide, not the gospel.
Photographed
with my son Ben
at the military exposition at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota in 1998,
this re-enactor wears the infantry uniform typical for the
summer of 1944. Both his shirt and trousers are wool and considered
"OD" but note the difference in colors.
He
has the M1936 suspenders and M1923 cartridge belt, from which
hangs two M1942 first aid pouches. The M1936 canvas leggings
cover what appear to be non-regulation black boots. Under
his left arm is a non-regulation bottled water!
The M1 helmet features the earlier open mesh netting. The
leather chin strap is pulled over the helmet edge. The M1
Garand has a canvas sling, rather than leather.
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