Back in the 1980s I wrote to Bob Queen at the suggestion of a friend who gave me Bob's address. In the late 80s I was just beginning to learn and discern the variations in jump smock construction. Other than various camouflage patterns, little to nothing was written in reference books regarding jump smocks.
Having recently acquired a converted splinter step in smock from a kind lady in Colorado Springs, CO, I wanted to learn more about step in to button up conversions. I knew the smock that was being sent from Colorado was a splinter pattern, but had no idea it was a converted step in. One can imagine my elated surprise when I opened the package to see the smock had once been a step in which had been altered to a button up with added buttons and facing, flare pistol holster, bayonet keeper, and tails of Grünmeliert. The smock was dated 12/40 and manufactured by Schultz. At the time I had never seen a step in smock except in period photos and did not know that converted step in smocks existed. I was amazed and wanted to know more and could find nothing in reference books.
My friend told me about Bob Queen. Bob was a long time student and collector of Heer paratrooper uniforms, photos, and documents and my friend said that Bob could help. Bob could and did, we exchanged letters regarding smocks, some of which I still have in my files somewhere. And yes, Bob Queen is Eric's father, and obviously passed his passion on to his son. We lost Bob several years ago and he should be remembered as one the leaders and pioneers of our hobby, just as George Petersen and others.
Thank you Bob for your help and inspiration! Sorry I did not say this earlier, life has a way of passing too fast and leaving missed opportunities.
There is much more to be said regarding Bob Queen, perhaps Eric will share some of his memories with us.
As for Santa Rosa, CA and jump smocks, they are all related and there is more to come.
Having recently acquired a converted splinter step in smock from a kind lady in Colorado Springs, CO, I wanted to learn more about step in to button up conversions. I knew the smock that was being sent from Colorado was a splinter pattern, but had no idea it was a converted step in. One can imagine my elated surprise when I opened the package to see the smock had once been a step in which had been altered to a button up with added buttons and facing, flare pistol holster, bayonet keeper, and tails of Grünmeliert. The smock was dated 12/40 and manufactured by Schultz. At the time I had never seen a step in smock except in period photos and did not know that converted step in smocks existed. I was amazed and wanted to know more and could find nothing in reference books.
My friend told me about Bob Queen. Bob was a long time student and collector of Heer paratrooper uniforms, photos, and documents and my friend said that Bob could help. Bob could and did, we exchanged letters regarding smocks, some of which I still have in my files somewhere. And yes, Bob Queen is Eric's father, and obviously passed his passion on to his son. We lost Bob several years ago and he should be remembered as one the leaders and pioneers of our hobby, just as George Petersen and others.
Thank you Bob for your help and inspiration! Sorry I did not say this earlier, life has a way of passing too fast and leaving missed opportunities.
There is much more to be said regarding Bob Queen, perhaps Eric will share some of his memories with us.
As for Santa Rosa, CA and jump smocks, they are all related and there is more to come.
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