Denison smock history. The denison smock's history lies in the early part of WW2.

Denison smock history. I’m having a difficult time identifying this smock, the camo isn’t quite the brushstroke pattern I’m use to on the pattern one or two smocks. Nov 25, 2022 · This was replaced by the ‘Smock Denison Airborne’, designed by Major Denison. I ordered the full-zip smock with the intention of using it as a utility garment for carrying bits of kit and using it for general casual wear. C. . Click to expand The original wind proof, tightly woven hooded smock was ‘alledgedly’ initially issued to the SAS. Disclaimer< I do know the author but have no commercial interest in that excellent book > The Denison smock (or Smock, camouflage on later garments) remained on inventories in Commonwealth and other militaries after the Second World War, and was popular with troops in Korea. Denison smock) — британська військова камуфляжна куртка-халат, яку з 1942 року почали видавати британським парашутистам, що брали активну участь в операціях Другої світової війни. Lavishly illustrated with a wealth of Jul 28, 2025 · Item description from the seller British WW2 Denison Smock - 2nd Pattern Introduced in 1944, the 2nd pattern Denison Smock superseded the original, Major Denison designed, 1st Pattern Smock. This ground breaking book offers a comprehensive exploration of British airborne smocks, spanning from the earliest models to modern-day iterations. Jan 30, 2022 · Britain developed the Denison smock in 1941 as specialized clothing for paratroopers. Get the best deals for Dennison Smock at eBay. The author Bruce Wilson has worked hand in hand with Military Mode and The Airborne Assault Museum to produce this highly detailed and appealing work. P37 Webbing: Used for carrying ammunition, grenades, and essentials. However, some still appear today for ceremonial occasions by senior veterans and staff, such as this one worn by Prince Charles in 2006: Jul 9, 2020 · The Denison Smock has a long and distinguished history as the signature dress of British Airborne Forces, although from its early beginnings in World War Two it was widely worn by the Commandos, SAS and other Special Forces. [1] The very first paratrooper oversmocks issued to British psersonnel were modeled after the German airborne troops’ knochensack or “bone In 1942 the "Smock Denison Airborne Troops" was introduced and this version dispensed with the legs and instead utilised a “tail” which was attached at the back and fastened underneath the crotch to the front of the garment. Beret: Maroon beret to distinguish airborne units. Sep 7, 2022 · Than why is it called SAS smock? Also, does Soldier 2000 smock and SAS smock are just two different smocks used by different units? or does SAS smock is newer or improved version of S2000 smock? Please let me know, Thank you. Having seen the success of the German's airborne forces in Norway, Churchill ordered Britain's parachute regiment to be formed and expanded quickly. The Denison smock (or Smock, camouflage on later garments) remained on inventories in Commonwealth and other militaries after the Second World War, and was popular with troops in Korea. 1959 BRITISH PARATROOPERS SMOCK-SOLD UT160 $490. The fact that Sgt Parker was wounded in Normandy and invalided The denison smock's history lies in the early part of WW2. This one was worn by Lieutenant Sydney Jary who served with the Somerset Light Infantry in Normandy. I have looked on Sp Oct 30, 2018 · The Smock Denison 1959 Pattern, the successor to the Smock Denison Airborne Troops, was contracted for production first in 1961, with subsequent production contracts every year until 1968 except for 1964. Made For Government Contract By B. Doubtful this Denison ever saw Normandy service as wartime smocks were issued after the war to the Mobile Strike Force and it is was standard practice to stencil the service number and name onto the inside of the garment. The iconic imagery of soldiers donning the Denison smock during daring airborne operations remains embedded in the collective memory of military history enthusiasts. The smock was introduced after direct copies of the German “Step in Smock”, which had short legs attached as part of the main body, were initially used. The newer “Denison” version dispensed with the legs and instead utilised a “tail” which was attached at the back and fastened underneath the crotch to the front of the garment. A similar splinter pattern was also used on early lightweight windproof smocks, trousers and jump suits used by the special forces of the day, including SAS and SOE, and still in use as late as the 1970s. Sixty years on it has acquired a special, even iconic, status among collectors and aficionados of camouflage uniforms. 1964. The book deals with the first Smocks of the British airborne. This tail was intended to "keep out the drafts" in Jul 2, 2013 · Named after its designer, Major Mervyn Dennison, the Denison smock was first introduced for the use of airborne forces in 1941. Today, it holds significant historical, cultural, and collector value. Denison, British Airborne Specialist Clothing from WWII to the present day. Operation Banner & Falklands War Period One of two smocks from the same Para. The Denison was a camouflage-patterned, cotton, semi-waterproof garment that was put on and removed over the head like a jersey. The smock is said to be based on the work clothing of northern Denison Smock Developed for airborne troops in the early 1940s the Denison Smock was designed to be worn over webbing and gear during a parachute drop to prevent gear from snagging on a troopers’ chute. The Denison smock, used primarily by Airborne Forces, was designed by Major Denison and intended to be worn over the standard uniform battledress for training and operational service from 1941. WPG’s Denison Smock is a fantastic product. Second World War period British Airborne Forces camouflage smock. 3. The Denison smock was a coverall jacket issued to Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents, the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, Air Observation Post Squadrons, and other Commonwealth airborne units, to wear over their Battle Dress uniform during the Second World War. The Denison Smock was also introduced for paratroopers and commandos, which combined similar greens and browns in a disruptive outline. The tailpiece was designed so that when correctly May 22, 2008 · Here is a comparison photo of my repro Denison smock: left, a new one; center, repro after a quick "aging"; right, an original smock that has "been there. Oct 17, 2024 · When WW2 began in 1939, the “Denison” smock was developed by the British Army – taking inspiration from the “bone sacks” used by the German Fallschirmjaeger. Sep 10, 2023 · The Denison airborne smock was initially issued to members of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a clandestine special warfare unit, but became standard issue to British Airborne Forces (including Glider Infantry and Glider Pilots). Sep 20, 2024 · The KOSB Regimental Museum holds a number of items relating to Arnhem, from the rare Denison smock, to the personal stories and diaries in our archives; the objects relating to Arnhem and its history become all the more meaningful when we understand more about the individuals and the stories attached to them. A Collectors Guide. C012691 PARATROOPERS’ CAMOUFLAGE 2ND PATTERN LIEUTENANT DENISON SMOCK. Introduced in 1944, the 2nd pattern Denison Smock superseded the original, Major Denison designed, 1st Pattern Smock. Named to the WO who served between 1964 into the 80's. It also has a full length Jul 23, 2025 · UK Army Paratroopers Airborne British 1st Pattern Denison Camo Smock Jacket xiaochujuhuakaing (7407) 98. I found a local gentleman selling some of his collection, including this WW2 English paratrooper kit. Belgian "brushstroke" design from the 1950s. Apr 20, 2013 · Excellent pictures throughout and a must for anyone interested in Airborne forces history --By Pinky I loved it. (The combat clothing of the airborne Apr 3, 2025 · British Denison smock "brushstroke" patterns from the 1950s and 1960s. The Denison Smock pattern made perhaps it's most dramatic appearances in the latter years of the war when British Airborne troops dropped into Normandy and Holland wearing the unique camo. The Denison smock originated from a very practical necessity. BACKGROUND: As a result of the German paratroopers’ successes early in the second world war, the British quickly organized an Airborne battalion in early 1941. British Denison smocks The pictures below are of my three British Denison smocks, one is WWII but the other two are post war and I was hoping that someone on here could roughly date them. Jun 20, 2025 · Over the decades, it evolved through several iterations, finding continued use into the 1970s and influencing later military designs. Re-designated now the "Smock Camouflage 840599973," of particular note with regards to the camouflage pattern, these smocks show the first signs of pattern repetition, indicating a significant change in the printing process. British WW2 Denison Smock - 2nd Pattern. Generously cut and made of windproof material, the smock however was not waterproof and in fact readily absorbed water to become uncomfortably heavy. 5% positive Sep 27, 2024 · Whereas most Commonwealth units fighting in the European theater wore the British-made Denison smock, this was probably deemed too heavy and hot for use by units operating in the Pacific. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! Nov 8, 2015 · After the war, the Denison Smock continued to be used by the British Parachute Regiment (among other units), evolving into the Pattern 1959 version. Anyone know where I (an American) can get a smock/jacket like the late Sean Connery here is wearing from “A Bridge Too Far” (1977)? I’ve looked but it seems slightly easier to get an American M42 jump jacket… The Lanes ArmouryOriginal British Army Paras Issue, 1959 Pattern, Parachute Regt. The Denison smock was a coverall jacket issued to Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents, the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, air observation post squadrons, Commando units, and other Commonwealth airborne units, to wear over their Battle Dress uniform during the Second World War, remaining in service with the British Army until the early 1970s when it Jan 11, 2019 · A little bit of an insight into the history of our Field Smock. When landing by Aug 26, 2015 · Sample 4: Last 1970s Print This is the most common, final print of the Pattern 59 smock. True to the smock design, it was a large baggy cut that could easily fit over a full battle uniform. Step back in time and uncover the captivating story of the early WWII Denison Smocks in our latest video! 🎥🌲 Join us on a journey through the origins, evolution, and impact of these iconic Oct 2, 2024 · If this is your first time hearing about this sought-after item, sit back, relax, and let’s learn more about it. History The first DPM used by the British Army was the hand-painted fabric used on the first Denison Smock issued to airborne troops in the early 1940s. (Credit – Blighty Militaria) Feb 2, 2010 · I agree with Gulf91 and not type cast the 1959 Pattern Denison Smock by the camouflage pattern variations. Help identifying Denison smock pattern? Hi all, I could use some help. Jump Trousers: Reinforced for durability and function. The smock fulfills ALL of these requirements and has stood up to the hard use I have subjected it to in the weeks since I have received the item. These voluntary personnel were originally kitted out with a grey/green cotton duck smock patterned after the German paratroopers’ smocks, until late in 1941 Feb 28, 2025 · The Denison Smock became a signature item for British airborne forces. The first smock we sold immediately, and this we are offering was his second. Denison Jacket: A Versatile Piece of Outdoor Gear Denison Jacket Origin and History The Denison jacket, also known as the Denison smock, is a coverall jacket used during World War II and was a distinctive camouflage garment. Sep 10, 2023 · History of the British Airborne Camouflage Denison Smock by Eric H Larson The purpose of this article is to provide an introductory overview of the development of the British Denison Camouflage Airborne Smock that emerged during the Second World War. The Denison smock (or Smock, camouflage on later garments) remained on inventories in Commonwealth and other militaries after the Second World War, and was popular with troops in Korea. Read more The Denison Smock was created for use by British airborne forces in 1941. Our Waterproof Field Smock is loosely based on the traditional lightweight pullover WWII Denison's Smock. These Denison smocks were made to the exact specification of the 1959 pattern, which J&S were currently producing at that time for the British Parachute Regiment, for export to the Kenyan May 21, 2019 · A nice Smock, but the SB prefixed service number indicates that WOII Parker was serving in the post-SWW Army. At the Airborne Assault Museum we have been trying to trace the origins, variants and replacement of this iconic item of uniform. Button-down cuffs replaced the elasticated version and two poppers were introduced on the back to allow the wearer to pin up his "beaver tail". com. The question that to me seems obvious is why are so many different patterns showing up on thses smocks? Perhaps now is the time to drop the collector teminology and slang for these patterns and for someone to conduct a scholarly approach to finding out the true deatils of these garments Mar 12, 2013 · Right everyone, i need some help i want to buy a Denison Smock, but what i need to Know is where are the best places to get them. British WW2 Denison Smock - Full Zip Version These "officer modified" versions of the Denison Smock are proving to be a widely popular variation on the 2nd pattern smocks that we also have available. The Denison smock was conceived for Airborne forces, and at first issued only to them. Warrant Officer's Denison Smock. The Denison smock first appeared in the early 1940s, the design of a Major Denison. The copy of the German Smock to the famous Denison Smock of WW II to the modern and different / personalized varieties of the WW II Denison Smock. Not simply a book dedicated to one iconic garment but covering the history of all the Jul 24, 2025 · 1960s commercially produced Denison smock made by J & S Franklin, an authorised manufacturer of Denison smocks and clothing for the British Military. Later in WW2 Commando units also used them. Generously cut and made of windproof material, the smock however was not waterproof in fact readily absorbed water to become A piece of British uniform between the scarlet ‘redcoats’ and the classic ‘commando’ jumpers, rguably the most famous the Denison smock has a long and distinguished history as the signature dress of British airborne forces. The smock was designed to be loose and baggy for enhanced ventilation and camouflage. It comes in the original forest variant of Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM), Desert DPM, and the newest examples come in the more recent Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP BBC - A History of the World - Object : WW2 Denison smockThis was my grandfather's WW2 jacket that he wore in Holland and Germany, on D-Day and during the occupation. Object courtesy of the National Army Museum, London . These were used into the 1970s until all Denison type smocks were replaced by the DPM combat smocks. The British Airborne Forces has always held a deep fascination Second World War period British Airborne Forces camouflage smock. Southern Rhodesian soldiers fighting under the British flag during WW2 and the Malayan Emergency regularly utilized the pattern to great effect. Jan 1, 2013 · Not simply a book dedicated to one iconic garment but covering the history of all the British airborne smocks from the very earliest models right up until present day, lavishly illustrated with a large amount of exceptional surviving artefacts as well as some wonderful period images, some being published for the very first time. The smock was initially worn over the paratrooper's webbing equipment, but under his The Denison Smock was originally produced for use by airborne troops, but was soon adopted by others when they could get hold of one. Oct 4, 2020 · The CS95 Windproof Smock, or the Combat Soldier 1995 program update to the “Smock, Combat, Windproof” is a windproof and rain resistant outer shell jacket with an insane amount of pocket space and magical drying capabilities. " South Vietnamese Airborne camouflage pattern, from the early 1960s. Before the Apr 3, 2025 · British Denison smock "brushstroke" patterns from the 1950s and 1960s. Introducing "Denison: British Airborne Specialist Clothing from WWII to the Present Day," the inaugural collaborative project between author Bruce Wilson, Military Mode, and The Airborne Assault Museum. Generously cut and made of windproof material, the smock however was not waterproof in fact readily absorbed water to become Feb 14, 2012 · This smock also differed in having ‘Smock, Camouflage’ on the label rather than the ‘Smock, Denison’ of the previous issues of the smock. This tail helped keep the wearer warmer when parachuting and could be undone upon landing. It’s quality was noticeable lower than previous models. French "lizard" camouflage from 1952. The Denison Smock, named after its designer Major Denison and first introduced for use by the personnel of the Airborne Forces in 1941, was a camouflaged garment made from heavy-duty, windproof material. It was designed to be worn over a soldier's battle dress and under his jump smock. Once on the ground the wind-proof jacket became useful as an extra layer of clothing over battle dress with the gear worn over the top of the smock (see images one and three). This book is the first of Military Mode Publishing's collaborative projects. On this early version you can plainly see how lizard was derived from "brushstroke. It is made from durable Aug 1, 2025 · 1939 to 1945: Brushstroke & Denison Smock As WWII began, the “brushstroke” pattern – large, irregular blotches of green and brown – was widely used by the British military. M. Jul 23, 2018 · History of the Denison Smock. Russia pioneered the use of military parachuting in the 1930’s, but it was the Germans who first used this new method of warfare in actual combat. " However i have never seen an actual coloured photo from the war, so one gets the impression that the paras were running around in smocks which look like the one on the right. --Jan Ribentrot Jan 15, 2021 · By the mid to late-1960s, the Denison smock would see its final incarnation as a distinctive item of camouflage clothing. Apr 20, 2023 · Drawing inspiration from explorers’ anoraks and fisherman’s smocks, the Denison Smock was born. Key Features: Denison Smock: A camouflaged, windproof overgarment used for jumps and combat. The first parachute smocks were essentially faithful copies of the Fallshirmjager ‘bone sack’. The type of smock on this page have been unofficially called “Pattern 1946” by collectors [1] since they retain much of the WW2 era 2nd pattern’s features such as the half zip and snaps in the back for the crotch flap, a redundant feature Delving beyond the iconic Denison smock, Wilson meticulously chronicles the evolution of British airborne clothing, including step-in smocks, the rare Windak smock, experimental items, paratrooper trousers, and post-war developments. 00 Enquire Now 0402 456 613 1959 BRITISH PARATROOPERS SMOCK History Of the Dennison and Paratroop Smock Airborne Forces have long been associated with not only the maroon beret but also the famous Denison Smock. For campaign service used Sep 8, 2023 · Anyone wishing to inform themselves about the history of the Denison and how to avoid buying a fake repro WW2 smock can usefully track down a copy of Stu Kibell's Denison Smock. Nov 30, 2023 · Beyond its military origins, the distinctive brushstroke pattern found its way into popular culture, becoming synonymous with airborne forces and commando units. nmouh thdcnu zbyp shpjurp pwkzqh oxw uazkn lmosx gjyb qyk