Smock photo # 2

[Eric Queen]

I thought this photo was a little different as well. Notice man in the middle in the back row. He has what apprear to be some type of buttons on his M-38 ( pocketless ) jump smock. Could the zipper have broken and this was a make shift way of repairing it?

[John Hodgin]

Eric,

When you study the photo all the M-38's seem have added buttons except the left rear one.

Best,
John

[John Hodgin]

it's been a long day

that's "seem TO have"

[Willi Z.]

And that left rear one has pockets on it. With helmet covers and the pockets it would be a post mid'40 photo. My guess on the buttons is that the long front zippers have become broken, and this was a way to improvise. I guess sonce converted step-ins and 3rd model smocks did away with fornt zippers, this photo tells you why.

Willi