Look What I Found Today!!!!

[GregK]

Hi all,

For those of you that knew (or cared!!!) I'm back form a fabulous holiday in Europe. Will start a thread in the appropriate forum in the days to come. Watch for it as there are a few photos that might be of interest to some of you.

That aside I thought I would post my most recent acquisition (just today as a matter of fact!!!). A friend found these at a local antique show while I was away and snapped them up on my behalf. I am ever thankful to him for it. The cost was so minimal that I'd be embarrased to disclose it.

Unfortunately no history with these. It would have been nice to put a name to the face. Perhaps in a little bit I will have some free time to research further. Please feel free to comment.

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Greg

[GregK]

I should also mention that these are both postcard sized shots.

[GregK]

What I wouldn't give for the clothes off of his back

[DJT]

Wow, super nice finds Greg! I assume these arrived after our phone call?

[GregK]

Hiya Des,


Yes sir!!! After our call I made another quick one to a friend and learned of these. Needless to say I was out the door within minutes and had these babies at home where they belong. I knew you would like them and was going to fire them off in an email but you caught me here first. Come visit and you can see them all in person .

Cheers,
Greg

[leigh kitchen]

Is the eagle without wreath in both photos? It seems likely I suppose as any photo I've seen of a man wearing the eagle with wreath also shows medal ribbons up.

What colour is the beret? Is it grey, & is it the type made of sections of cloth or one piece?

[Gary Jucha]

Beret

Greg, Leigh,
The beret will be a 2nd pattern - 3 piece construction. (1943 onwards)
The 1st pattern types always photograph in a much lighter colour.

It's a shame that there's no name to the photo, ... but this tends to be par for the course.

Also, as leigh has mentioned, the chap is a qualified paratrooper .. but he's not wearing a combat wreath, so the photo was taken either prior to "Market-Garden", or the chap did not participate in the operation.

Note ... that he is wearing 1st pattern collar kites which do seem to have a slightly darker background that airborne infantry ... so maybe ??? from he's from the Medical company or possibly Military Police squadron ?

Gary J.

[Kevan]

Fantastic photos Greg. Is that a 46 pattern battledress he is wearing? If so its well after Market Garden.

[Gary Jucha]

40 pattern re-taylored

Kevan,
I think you will find that the BD is a 40 style pattern was probably not even of British issue. No doubt it has been completely re-taylored with padded shoulders and an open neck / collar as a "walking out" item.

Gary J.

[GregK]

Hello chaps,


Thanks for all your replies. It is clearly apparent in both photos that there is no wreath on the wings. It's hard to tell from the photos I posted (no scanner - picture of a picture). BD is most certainly a 40 and has been tailored (no surprise) to a best dress. That alone leads me to believe that he was not a participant in Market Garden. That being said I still LOVE these photos. A very nice surprise to come home to.

Cheers,
Greg

[Kevan]

Gary,

You might be right. I asked if it was 46 pattern as the Bde was not disbanded until mid-47, so I wouldn't rule it out. Does anyone know if it was common for privates within the Bde to have their battledress tailored? Also which non-British battledress were worn by Polish paras. I have seen a photo of a battledress with a full zip and hidden pocket buttons being worn, but I have never been able to identify it.

PS I also love these photos

[Adrian Stevenson]

Gary,

Does anyone know if it was common for privates within the Bde to have their battledress tailored?

Very common indeed! Almost universal in fact.

Cheers, Ade.

PS. Great photos Greg

[Gary Jucha]

Agreed

Kevan,
I can concur with Ade on the BD's ...
Most Poles tried to get hold of a better cut of BD and had it re-taylored as their walking out dress.

You can find a variety of variants where the "walking out" is concerned, ... as the BD would be taylored to the individuals requirements ..

Gary J.

[Gary Jucha]

One to add

I just went through some of my late fathers photo's, and here's one taken whilst he was in basic training prior to receiving his para wing (aprrox date would be May 1942 - October 1942).
The photo was taken in a studio in St.Andrews - Scotland.

Gary J.

[Robspad]

Hi All !

Nice Photo Greg.
My sentence this picture was made in 1945 year or later.
Battledress very strongly adaptation.
I see more elements uniform, it did no factory only tailor adaptation and correction.

Greetings
Robert