EVERYBODY PLEASED

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 49, 31 May 1940, Page 4

EVERYBODY PLEASED

HE new battle dress seems to please everybody. That does not happen very often in the army. | Officers, n.c.o.’s and men alike | are enthusiastic about the new uniform, | which has been issued to all units of | the 3rd Echelon. "Grand." "Comfortable." "No buttons | to clean." That is what the men think | of it. "Smarter." "More suitable for the. field." "Warmer." That is the opinion of | the officers. Battle dress, which is worn by all British forces in the field, consists of trousers and a blouse, caught at the waist by a belt. All buttons except those on the shoulder straps are hidden. The trousers can be worn loose or caught at the ankles with pieces of strapped canvas, rather like those of the sailor’s fighting kit. Officers and men look alike, and all badges of rank are made as inconspicuous as possible, The blouse cuffs are buttoned at. the wrist, and there are several large pockets on the trousers. As soon as possible, the units of the lst and 2nd Echelons will be equipped with battle dress, which will be issued to all future units of the 2nd New Zea- land Expeditionary Force, Only members of the personnel of the staffs of military camps and establishments will in future wear the familiar serge uniform of tunic and trousers. A soldier's kit now consists of a comprehensive wardrobe. In addition to battle dress, he is issued with a suit of denims for training and fatigue work; a drill uniform for warm weather; extra serge trousers for warmth when he wears his denims; a heavy overcoat; two pairs of boots; a wide-brimmed felt hat for parades, and a glengarry hat which goes 'with battle dress. All these in addition \to his shirts, socks, and underclothing.