FJ trousers

[Willi Z.]

I have a question for those who know their FJ trousers. There are several pair of FJ trousers in collections that represent a strange variation. And, the variation I mean in this case is the pocket on the left rear. These trousers have a smaller pocket on the left rear and some have indicated they are for first aid packets. Most FJ trousers have two "wallet sized" pockets on the rear. A manufacturer of reproduction clothing calls the style with the smaller pocket as a M38 and states that the improved model with two duplicate pockets is called the M40. Any comments on this........???

Willi

[SMP]

Hi Willi,

As one who owns one of these "strange" variations I believe your source is talking nonsense. Most, if not all, these type of trousers are late in manufacturer. I therefore believe that they should be called the "improved" model, since the effort and materials in producing a specialised rear, left pocket suggests that someone took an important decision to change things. The designation M38/M40 sounds daft. Perhaps some one can correct me , but I have been told that the same left, rear pocket was also applied to M43 (M44?) Heer, combat trousers, and that was also for a field dressing (Did the short M44 BD blouse have a dressing pocket ?) I believe the trousers on offer at the Collectors Guild site are of the type we are talking about.
Perhaps Chris M would like to comment, I know he has this type of trousers.

Regards

Steve

[SMP]

....one further point, Willi. The smaller , left pocket is always made of Rayon-type material. From your own studies this must date it to at least 1943 or after.

Regards

Steve

[John Hodgin]

Hi Steve,

Right again. I have a friend with a pair of very early, pre war, jump trousers. They are more green in color, (almost police green) less field grey, and have the larger, same size rear pockets. The original owner was in the Sturm Rgt. and jumped on Crete.

Regards and Merry Christmas,
John

[fergmacleod]

FJ trouser

Good question, Willi. Now what about the trousers that have three press studs on the knife pocket, instead of the usuall two? This can bee seen on page 60 of "Fallschirmjager Regiment 3" , by Klaus Peters. Is this a model variation, or simlpy a manufactureres mistake?

Thanks, (in advance), Fergus MacLeod.

[Willi Z.]

I agree that the smaller rear pocket is a latewar feature. Yes Steve, the presence of the rayon is a good point. Usually a post '42 feature. I also agree with the fact that earlier FJ trousers have more green in them. My '41 dated pair have more green than later pairs, which seem to have more gray to them.

Yes Fergus, the 3-snap straight flapped pockets are early.

Anyone have an idea when the first FJ trousers came out? Eric?

Willi