Basic Kit for starting a Digger Impression

[skippy]

Hello Everyone

I am new here and to reenacting Aussies. I Was just wondering what the basic kit was for a Australian impression I.E Uniform, Webbing, Boots etc and perhaps where they could be purchased. I am based in Perth, WA if that helps.

Regards


Skip

[HocMajorum]

A very basic impression would be US M43 trousers and jacket, 37 pattern webbing (as used during WW2), either a bush hat, US M51 pile cap or commando cap comforter for head wear. All depends really what era you wanted to portray. As for where to get them from in Aus I can't help I'm afraid!

Check these out:

www.asianoffbeat.com/default.asp?Display=1164

korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/armed-forces-in-korea/australian-army-in-the-korean-war.php

[brigadepiron]

Hello Skip!

I'm no expert in Australian kit, but I can tell you you'll need a set of Australian-produced Battledress (not uncommon I believe) with the correct insignia for the time period and regiment, a set of webbing (37 or 44 - perhaps mixed with US kit). Of course, you'll want a slouch hat too !

The battledress (with '37 pattern belt) forms the parade/barracks dress, and possibly part of the field uniform in the early period.

Battledress. Note the RAR shoulder title and '37 pattern webbing:


As for field dress, shirtsleaves seems to be most common during the earlier summer:

I imagine that this is the same pattern as the Second World War version.

I'm afraid that you'll have to wait for more info on winter uniforms from someone else.

Couple of links relevant to you:
www.remlr.com/roseworthy/issued_kit/index.html
korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/

Good to see some interest in unusual UN contingents too !
Hope this helps.

[skippy]

Any idea on what boots to wear, Undershirt? I i aim to portray 3RAR
during mid war. If this helps.

[digger]

Hi Skip,in the first photograph the soldier is wearing the Service dress four pocket tunic as worn in WW2 not Battledress (BD). These were worn in the early part of the Korean War,then went on to wearing BD and US M43s. If you are wanting this uniform they do come up on AUS Ebay frequently along with slouch hats. Or if you want repro then try Spearhead Militaria or Lawrence Ordenance in Melbourne. regards Dig.

[skippy]

Would US Rough Out boots be ok. Or Ammo Boots ?

[digger]

G,day here is a pic of the RAR embarking for Korea. They are wearing the wool service dress uniform as worn in WW2,37 ptn webbing with the large modified ammo poches. Us leggings and what looks to be the service boots may still be brown or now changed to black not sure. Several of the diggers are wearing their WW2 ribbons on their uniforms and RAR shoulder titles.

The badges on their slouch hats would now have changes from reading "AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES" to

"AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES"

Hope this helps regards John.

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