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The British soldier went
to war in August 1914 wearing the 1902 Pattern Service Dress tunic and
trousers. This was a thick woolen tunic, died khaki green (not the brown
khaki of WW2 battledress fame). There were two breast pockets for
personal items and the soldier's AB64 Pay Book, two smaller pockets for
other items, and an internal pocket sewn under the right flap of the
lower tunic where the First Field Dressing was kept. Rifle patches were
sewn above the breast pockets, to prevent wear from the webbing
equipment and rifle. Shoulder straps were sewn on and fastened with
brass buttons, with enough space for a brass regimental shoulder title.
Rank was sewn onto the upper tunic sleeves, while trade badges and Long
Service and Good Conduct stripes were placed on the lower sleeves.
A stiffened peak cap was
worn, made of the same material, with a leather strap, brass fitting and
secured with two small brass buttons. The stiffener was often removed on
active service, during the Winter of 1914/15.
Puttees were worn round
the ankles, and B5 ammunition boots with hobnail soles on the feet.
Normally black, they were made of reversed hide and had steel toe-caps,
and a steel plate on the heel. |