The Army Experimental Field Uniform (ca 1930)

[Greeves]

I know there are a few of you uniform collectors out there so this one's for you. I have a number of The Queen's Royal Regimental Journals from the 1920's and 30's and I came across this interesting photo and article. I guess these uniforms never took hold - does anyone know anything more about them? Instead of regurgitating the article I just included it - as it is interesting to read the point of view of these uniforms being the "newest thing" - and because I just got a new scanner and am having way too much fun with it! Sorry for the graininess of the photos - the originals are like that so they didn't scan too well.

[Greeves]

A comparison with the standard field uniform:

[Greeves]

The Article...

...taken from the May, 1933 issue of "The Journal of The Queen's Royal Regt." (Vol 4, No.4)

[Adam H]

Brian L. Davis gives some details on this uniform in his book "British Army Uniforms and Insignia of World War Two". I would think that surviving examples of this uniform would be quite rare...although not a uniform collector as such I don't really recall ever seeing examples for sale in the past 10+ years or so.

Cheers,

Adam

[Guy]

Brian L. Davis gives some details on this uniform in his book "British Army Uniforms and Insignia of World War Two". I would think that surviving examples of this uniform would be quite rare...although not a uniform collector as such I don't really recall ever seeing examples for sale in the past 10+ years or so.

Cheers,

Adam

Hi Geoff,

This is indeedd the 1932-34 experimental pattern serge uniform in wear. Two "experimental" platoons were charged with field testing it; The 2nd Battalion Queens Royal Regiment (West Surrey) and the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. They were to carry out field tests on the uniform in question during the year 1933. Many of the troops liked the uniform very much and it is quite suprising that it wasn't adopted. I wonder if this had anything to do with it's similarity to German Apparrel of the period. Personally I think it is a very attractive design. More info can be found in Davis's British Army Uniforms And Insignia OF WW2; p180.

Yours, Guy.

[Guy]

Hi Geoff,

Sorry, I meant to say, fantastic photos!

For anyone who is interested in these rare uniforms here is some seriously important primary source material.

Personally I think it's a damnded shame we didn't adopt these as they are as sexy as hell. The old Conan Doyle Deer Stalker really finished off the ensemble .

Yours, Guy.

[Greeves]

Thanks for the added info Adam and Guy. Yes the article and photos are quite interesting...

You're right, Guy, the uniforms are fairly striking - I like the deerstalker hat too, but the badge just doesn't seem right - perhaps too big? Anyway that's just aesthetics - a lot more practical for the field when compared to the peaked-cap! Have you ever seen any about? I wonder what one in decent condition would fetch? I mean, it would never have been "combat worn" (is that important to collectors?) but its rarity would give it some value I should think...

[Guy]

Hi Geoff,

I have never actually handled one of these and as far as I know they are exceptionally rare. I heard one being discussed in hushed tones at Beltring a couple of years ago, no price was mentioned but from the way the two chaps were carrying on I think it was probably fairly staggering!

I would think that a set such as this would find a new home very quickly if it were ever to come on the market. It would bridge the gap between WW1 sercice dress and BD which for the sake of continuity is very desirable for serious students of military tailoring.

I would love a set but suspect it is highly unlikely that I will find one . I have a feeling that someone I am trying to make contact with has a set in his enormous collection. He used to write articles 30 years ago and most of the pieces pictured in his work were in his possesion. If I find out any more Info I will post it.

Yours, Guy.

[Terry K.]

I got this from a forum member a couple of months ago, he had no idea what it was. Could this be on of those hats?

[Marc Sherriff]

The reason it was not taken into use is; It was practical, comfortable, presentable and above all liked by the soldier.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Nice one Mark!

Hi Terry, I don't think the colour would be corrrect on the cap you have. Having said that I have only ever seen period photos of these in B&W. Is there any markings to the cap?

Cheers, Ade.