43rdrecce Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 Does anyone recognise the tank suit in the photo? I have one of these but have been unable to identify what pattern it is. The photo shows one of these suits worn by an individual in 43rd Recce. They are of heavy khaki waterproof cotton fabric similar to the motorcyclist clothing. Stand collar, single full length front zip, single slash pocket on left breast with simple flap and no button. Slash openings for side pockets, buttoned large pocket on each thigh. Cuffs and ankles are buttoned cuffs. There are splits at the bottom outer seam on each leg to enable the suit to be pulled on over boots. Any ideas? Cheers Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdbikemad Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 (edited) I'm tempted to say Canadian manufacture, for vehicle crews, drivers of open cab vehicles, motorcyclists or RCAF ground crew.....? The Canadian's appear to have produced several unusual patterns of clothing, the purpose of many that has long since been forgotten about today.........the RAF developed a similar looking rubberised suit in green for ground-crew wear in wet/cold weather during the Korean War period, plus similar trousers, etc...... Are there any markings in your suit ? Do the buttons or zipper give any clues...? Edited August 14, 2012 by wdbikemad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
43rdrecce Posted August 15, 2012 Author Share Posted August 15, 2012 Thanks for the response, Definitely British, the WD code Z over W /I\ D 252, indicates 1945 manufacture and the photo dates to very early 1945. I'm assuming that these suits may date from late 44, but it's possible they are earlier of course. No other markings or labels present. In my previous post I said that the cuffs and ankles were closed by buttons, they are actually closed by Newey press studs. These are the smaller type, with the external 'dome' part being 1/2" diameter, ie not the larger Newey type used on the 'Oversuit Tank Crew' The only buttons are on the two thigh pockets. The pocket on the upper left chest is a simple flap with no fastening. No clues from the zip either, this has the same orangey web tape as used on the 'Oversuit' but the actual fastener is missing. I would imagine it was a 'Dot' I haven't got around to trying one yet but the zip looks to be the same size. There is a storm flap or reinforcing behind the front zip which fastens to a single button inside the suit on the upper right chest. There are double thickness patches at elbow and knees. Interesting item. I've only recently been given the photo of the veteran wearing it. I spoke to him again yesterday, though his health is now very poor. He recalls the suit but cannot recall when or how it was issued to him. Cheers Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdbikemad Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 Guess that confirms a British issue Paul..........I do know that the winter in NW Europe was bloody awful (according to historical accounts and my Grandfather who was with the 51st HD Division in the Seaforths)...... I am wondering if this was either an Army or RAF item introduced for tank crews, drivers (of open cab vehicles) or RAF groundcrews at forward airfields) for cold/wet weather protection...? By 1945, most RAF-manufactured clothing bore the Army "WD" stamp rather than the "AM" (Air Ministry) stamp commonly encountered up to 1942........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Git Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 It looks slightly similiar to the 1942 'Tank Crew Overalls', but of course that was fastened up the front with buttons. This would appear to be yet another interesting development on the way to the Pixie suit. I must admit to never having seen this before but it has me intrigued! Is there any chance you might be able to provide more detailed pictures of the one you have? Rgds Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naaficook Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Blowing some life in this old thread : The unusual tanksuit is a "Suit, Waterproof". It is a cotton/canvas covered rubber suit worn specificly by crews of a Daimler Dingo Scoutcar. They are listed as nr. 58 in the STOWAGE EQUIPMENT LIST (1945) Daimler Scoutcar. Two "Suits, Waterproof" were supplied by the War Department after completion of the vehicle and stowed one in the offside, and one in the nearside rear bin. Weight of the suits is 7.625 Lbs/each. On the stowage diagrams the suits are marked as "Waterproof Clothing". 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Elbourne Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 link to an original item recently for sale with some excellent images ( no link to vendor) https://www.worldwarcollectibles.com/shop.php?code=65436 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted December 21, 2022 Share Posted December 21, 2022 (edited) Very good mannequin size....ie. xxxxtra-small? Edited December 21, 2022 by Enigma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naaficook Posted December 26, 2022 Share Posted December 26, 2022 The suit isn't only used for Daimler Dingos crews, also other "open" armoured car crews. But I must day the price seems extreem high to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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