British Airborne Forces Denison camo smock

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Guys, the "Denison smock" was the trade mark item along with the Red Beret of British Airborne forces in WW2. Worn by all Paratroopers, airlanding forces, glider pilots and by late 1944 by the Commandos too. Also worn by Free Polish and Free French airborne forces.

Designed by Major Denison in 1941 and first produced in 1942. This is a so called second pattern smock produced from 1943 to 1945.

The first pattern smock (these are actually collector terms and not official designations) featured:

Lighter colours with camo patterns applied by hand
Knitted woolen cuffs
No snap fasteners to hold up the "ape tail" onto the back of the smock.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Now in a little more detail.

The smock was designed to be worn over the Battledress blouse, but under the equipement.

The smock ranged from Size 1, the smallest, up to a Size 8, the largest.

[sscrooge]

fantastic smock:thumbup: would love1 of them but they seem pretty pricey, rgds dave

[Zeller]

fantastic smock Ade!

as camo pattern, I like more one developed after the war (I should have some pics of paras somewhere), but this remains a great catch!

The price for an original one is quite high, but you may want to consider a good repro: I got one that look scarily real (they faked also the button writings), if it wasn't for the small tag MADE IN CHINA :biggrin: I paid it about 30 euro.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Guys, glad you like it. :thumbup:

Prices on smocks have gone crazy over the years. I bought this one about 9 years ago for £165. A good smock will now fetch about £700.

I do have a couple of repro ones for using at LH events, a first and second pattern made by the now defunt "King & Country". These are now older copies, but still the best ones made. The newer copies are now so cheap to buy!

Cheers, Ade.

[molly]

Hi was very interested with the posts regarding the Denison Smock.

I have a smock issued to me in 1972 and perhaps one of the last unused and brand new smocks to be issued. At the time I believe our unit was only one of two in the British Army to officially be allowed to wear the Denison Smock. At this time the Marines and other regiments were having their's withdrawn and using DPM Combats.

Has a full zip smock made by Cookson & Clegg from Blackburn. Has few holes but otherwise in excellent condition.

When I work out how to resize the photograph, I will upload a copy.

[Jeroen]

I show your mine 1st patt smock, just like Ade statted it has lighter colours.

[Jeroen]

2.......

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Molly, welcome to the forum!

I look forwards to seeing your smock.

Hi Jeroen, welcome to the forum too. That is a very nice example.

Cheers, Ade.

[Adrian Stevenson]

What would be nice to do is create a database of different manufacturers of Denison smocks.

Cheers, Ade.

[molly]

:thumbup1:

Best I could do for now.

[molly]

Think I have got there this time.

[Adrian Stevenson]

:thumbup: Thanks for adding them. If you could post the details from the label that would be useful.

Cheers, Ade.

[molly]

The lable reads


smock camouflage

////////////////////


SIZE 3

COOKSON & GLEGG LTD

/////////////////////

NAME

No

There is another lable behind the chest pocket, but that has washed out.

If you need the numbers I will send in pm.

Molly

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Molly, no that will be fine thanks :thumbup1: By adding the extra text it makes it easy to find if anyone does a search on the forum.

Cheers, Ade.