Eaglehurst

Wow - just re-read my last post...I really do need to get out more often!

No problem Jon. The differences as I see them are as follows: Smock: - Wrap around elbow reinforcement (the 60 pattern had these until about 63 when they changed to ovals) - Different colour buttons - Different material - sateen - Different label Trousers: - Button and zip fly rather than the zip only of the 60 pattern - Zipper is double ended so you can zip from bottom or top rather than just the single zip pull of the 60 pattern - Different materials - sateen - Different colour buttons - Different label: So, as you say, minor cosmetic differences mainly....

Sent you a PM Colin but not sure PM is working so drop me a note if you have not received...

Here is a better pciture:

Is this the one paddy?

Yes Jon - I have a couple of the jackets and trousers...scarily enough in a size that fits me! Size 6 smock and trousers! Really well made and a true testament to when Brits ruled the world in quality clothing manufacture. It is basically an off shoot of US kit...

Jon - it is a little confusing as the pattern and then the issue of kit (both of which can be referred to as patterns!) can be different. 90 pattern camo but 94 issue kit 50 pattern green but 52 pattern kit 60 pattern kit but in 66 pattern dpm etc.... For the Korean war British parkas - there is 50 pattern camo; 51 pattern and 52 pattern parkas (which are very different from each other!) Still keeps things interesting!

Andy - which trader was that out of interest?!!

Just to add - what I have never seen, or even heard of, but I am sure must exist is a 66 pattern (DPM variant of the 60 pattern) DPM hood. Smocks and trousers in this pattern are rare enough and were supposedly only issued between 66 and 68 and only then to active units in N/Ireland. If anyone knows better I am happy to be corrected on any of the above - particularly the existence of the hood!

Jon - the last bit of kit I need to finish off my collection!! I have not seen a 1960 pattern specific hood. The version that I believe was for use with 60 pattern was issued as part of the 52 pattern kit - 'Hood Attachable For Smocks Combat' or 'Hood Combat Attachable' Here is a link and a description: http://josephs-militaria-and-homefront-collection.co.uk/PAGE47.HTML If anyone has one and wants to sell - please drop me a PM!

C'mon Jon - everyone knows that British DPM is fundamentally flawed in short grass....

Thanks Oily - already spoken to Nick and he was very helpful....would love to take a look in their shop at some point as it sounds like an real 'Aladdins cave'.

Thanks Gary much appreciated.....my size is 36waist 32 inseam

Yes Jon. I am intrigued that these seems to be a specific designation for Gurkhas. I have a couple of these Gurkha 'specials' and can find absolutely no difference between then and the standard 68 pat smock....

Thanks for that - I have my old LI beret and badge standing in for headgear although the crap hat is there for completeness. I looked at the Forces80 site and that is why I think I need lightweights that have both a SIZE sizing and NATO sizing. Would be useful to see a pic of a label from someone who was issued with some from that era to make sure I get the right version. Cheers!

I am in the process of putting together the exact battledress a British soldier would have been wearing in the early 1970's. So far I have the 68 pattern jacket; trousers and hood, crap hat, smock liner, cold weather trousers, puttees, socks, pullover, shirt, 58 pattern belt etc.. The two items I am missing are lightweights and DMS boots. I am keen to get items authentic for the period so can anyone who has an example of the correct lightweights/boots please post a picture of the label/markings on them and I will know what to look for... I think the correct lightweights are post 'trousers overall green' but pre lightweights with only NATO sizing on them. Any help/advice much appreciated!

John - bear with me and I will sort out some number sequences for the 85 Patt stuff. The move to NATO sizing ie 180/104 etc does complicate the sizings somewhat! Pre NATO sizing (68 Patt) trops seem to be a law unto themselves with the trousers going from a SIZE1 to somewhere in the upper 20's whereas the shirts seem to follow the more traditional 1-9 sizing...:shocked:

Label from Gurkha specific 1968 Pattern:

That lines up with some a few examples I have: 2027-2046 68 Pattern trousers 1821-1840 Standard 68 Pattern Smock 6079-6099 seems to be some modification for Gurkas as all of the examples I have seen have a size code letter G on the label ie G8 (Size8). Judging by the comments above it may be some small Gurgha specific mod that is not easily identified. I am not sure it is size related as the Size G8 example I have is exactly the same size as the standard Size 8, as is the size 1 and G1.

Great - thanks! I have just done a bit of research on 'Faulat Belfast' and agree - I am sure this is the name. Cheers and Happy Christmas!!

I have recently purchased a 1953 Shirt KF. The very simple label states: ??AULAT, BELFAST SIZE 6 1953 /|\ The ?? refer to where the makers name is covered by label stitching - I can make out the letters 'AULAT'. I am keen to know the name of the maker. Does anyone know or have a similar shirt by the same maker they can refer to?

My hat off to you mate....having just found this thread and reviewed post by post it was great to see it all come together. I envy folks like you as I just do not have the patience or wherewithal to undertake something like this. The results are fantastic..well done!

Where do you find them Jon?!

Picked up a 68 pattern Sniper smock some time ago. It has an interesting label and may be an experimental or trials example. Can anyone shed any more light?

Maybe...just maybe - you have an older pattern style and mine is a later 80's style?? Again this is just a guess....