Reenact-SA

Here's what the Aussie soldier wore on Arrival to the Western Desert.

See attachment.

The tropical summer uniform was slowly introduced as winter in North Africa turned into summer but it took a long time for the Summer uniform to be supplied.

nb: The boots are wrong here though, they are late war and the WW1 boots should be worn (cherry red colour). Otherwise, the uniform is correct -early war tunic (if you buy a repro, get the WW1 tunic that is commonly available from Lawrence ordinance etc, and just take the buckle off the front) and WW1 style pugaree and leg wraps. There is also an early war style pair of "puttees" which are different to the late war ones which you can use (see following post for pics).

Also, if you get a Greatcoat, the single row button up WW1 style is the one you want-Not the double breasted style.

This is acceptable for our North African Aussie impression, but the summer uniform of shorts and shirt is also acceptable (I'll have a photo of that as soon as my shirt arrives as I only have the shorts).

Bombay Bloomers (long baggy pants that fold up and button, to become shorts are also ok at a pinch), but from what I've heard from the Diggers, no-one liked them very much and were "rarely" worn.

Admin

See pic

See pic.

Andy, do you have a shot of the webbing on Preston from behind?

No, but I'll take a pic asap.

Andy

Above, you see the Winter Desert Uniform, now the Summer KD Uniform.



See these links for a bigger view of the pictures.

http://au.geocities.com/ozstars/aussie001.jpg

http://au.geocities.com/ozstars/aussie002.jpg

http://au.geocities.com/ozstars/aussie003.jpg

http://au.geocities.com/ozstars/aussie004.jpg

http://au.geocities.com/ozstars/aussie006.jpg

You will notice that Mike is seen here wearing the late war boots, this is the only thing that is incorrect for early War. Don't forget, you need the WW1 boots (see the other threads for more details).

A couple of variations in Mikes impression which are acceptable. It must be noted that there was a variance in kit and Uniform among the Troops. As long as it's early War, there shouldn't be an issue with most things.

Note the 7 fold Slouch hat pugaree. While not common until at least Crete, it is allowable.

The Cotton "Australia" slip on's for the shoulder straps are optional. Not everyone wore them, and I've even seen pics of the Brass ones from the Wool Tunics, on the shirts.

Mike is wearing RAAF KD shorts. The only real noticeable difference is that these shorts don't have the two closure straps at the front. The RAAF ones are acceptable if that's all you have.

Admin

This is the KD imression with the early way pugaree and early war Aussie boots (WW1 style).

This is what you should aim for for Western desert.

Here are photos of my basic Aussie impression as trialed today.

Need:

- .303 Rifle
- Fix a clip on an ammo pouch
- small field pack
- replacement rubber piece for the helmet as it disintergrated when I took the photo today.