WW2 Australian tunic

[LeeG]

Just picked this up: a 1942 dated Australian four-pocket WW1-style tunic. It is somewhat mothed up but overall in great (unissued?) condition.

[LeeG]

...well, maybe it was issued--a "V" ribbon and detail of KC Australia button on pocket.

[LeeG]

Close up of the shoulders and collar with distinctive KC Australia badges.

[LeeG]

And the interior with 1942 marked tag.

If I were to kit this tunic out, which would be more appropriate, P08 webbing or P37 webbing? How about helmets--would a South African desert-camo helmet or a British helmet work with this? (I don't have an Australian helmet, unfortunately.)

[Jurryt]

Very nice tunic! I would do the P08 webbing. As far as I know, they didn't wear the P37 webbing on those tunics.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Lee, nice tunic.

I think either 1937 or 1908 pattern webbing would go fine with this tunic. 1908 pattern webbing would of course be much harder to find and a more expensive option. With regards to a steel helmet, if an Aussie example cannot be found perhaps a British made one would be best?

Cheers, Ade.

[LeeG]

Whew! No kidding about the P08 gear! I just looked into a bit and found 'a good deal' of a P08 belt, ammunition pouches, bag and straps for $500!

Think I'll stick with the $75 P37 set.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Lee, I wondered if you realised how much '08 pattern stuff fetches


Cheers, Ade.

[blinky]

Speaking of P08 webbing....what pattern webbing would have been worn in New Guinea in 1942? I really, really hope not 08.....

eric

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Eric, I would have to consult my books and check period photos to be 100% certain, but going from memory, I think you are safe and it was 1937 pattern.


Cheers, Ade.

[SHEARING-CROSS]

Hello ERIC ,
NICE TUNIC dont know if you know but the english printing of the French military collectors magazine ` MILITAIRE ` did a very nice colour feature on original Australian uniforms / kit etc a good few years back , most of the collection belonging to a guy called Maurice ( MO ) Stokes .......some where ??? i have the back copies if your interested i will try to dig it out and scan the pictures across to you ?
regards ,Michael.

[blinky]

I'd be interested in any information also. I would really like to put together the kit of an Australian infantryman, New Guinea 1942. I have a complete set for US and Japanese army and navy N.G. but nothing for Australia yet.


eric

[SHEARING-CROSS]

Hiya , NO PROBLEM glad to help , if i remember right the article was quite `in depth ` showing a lot of the little scarse items like paybooks I.D discs kit bags etc ,
give me a few days to find the magazine its inthe attic ,some where .
Michael

[helmhunter]

I'd be interested in any information also. I would really like to put together the kit of an Australian infantryman, New Guinea 1942. I have a complete set for US and Japanese army and navy N.G. but nothing for Australia yet.


eric

Hello Blinky,
The australian soldier of New Guinea 1942 had 1937 pattern web kit which was certainly canadian manufactured as it seems Australia bought a lot of canadian web gear to Canada during the war. Later Australia produced its own web equipment which has a lighter "beige" than the canadian one. As far as I know the uniform was green coton one australian made and sometimes aertex "colored" in green (excuse my poor english). Headgear was the australian MKII helmet with british net (MKIII australian pattern), the famous slouch hat (without the rising sun in combat configuration)or the jungle beret.
BTW the digger in Noth Afrika had the pattern 1937 gear. The pattern 08 was issued for a very short time.
I hope it can help you.
Regards
Philippe

[blinky]

Thank you very much too Philippe! This is a great start. I'm sure as I get going on this project I'll have a million questions for everyone.

eric