The venerable 1968 Pattern combat smock...........here an early example, absolutely brand-new and never worn....cuffs have never been fastened ! Also a decent size 6 (medium height range, widest fitting)........... These were introduced around 1971, replacing the interim DPM 1960 Pattern that had only been in production for a year or so and, for some troops not issued the latter, the OD combat smock, and issued with matching trousers, combat cap and hood, plus the sleeveless quilted liner............. Early examples such as shown had a different NSN range to later examples from the latter half of the 1970s...........the fabric here was the earlier heavy satin-backed cotton-drill, later changed to semi-synthetic material following trials in BAOR and NI to reduce both the weight of the clothing and the shrinkage from washing and field-soaking............... The 1968 Pattern combat suit remained in production in all versions between 1971 and 1984, when replaced by an improved combat suit (the less said about that the better) although the older suit continued to be issued, and worn, whilst stocks remained...........early examples such as that shown here carried an incredible variety of colours and patterns, something that significantly reduced in later production (although odd variants continued to be occasionally seen).............. Until a couple of years ago, you could still obtain these new, but they are fast-disappearing................the last of the true iconic combat jackets, on par with the American M.65 and I am proud to have worn these throughout my service........30 years ago now........
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:30:01 +0000
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