Our Impressions:
(For details on each see information below)
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Sgt. Ron Bristow of the original 7th Parachute Bn wears the P37 Battledress blouse. This early version has concealed buttons as well as pocket pleats which would later be deleted in order to conserve material. Although similar in appearance, our unit does not accepts Greek, Dutch, or other foreign copies of the P37 pattern as acceptable reproductions.
Original member of the 7th Parachute Bn, Eirc Lancaster, wears the P40 austerity pattern battledress designed to conserve material. It has exposed buttons and no pocket pleats. Original P40 jackets can still be found on ebay at prices comparable to reproductions. We encourage new members to obtain an original
King's Crown parachute regiment beret badge worn from 1943 on
Standard mid - late war parachute battalion insignia required for all new members unless approval received from association directors. Photo shows left and right sleeve configuration.
Denison smock worn throughout the existence of the battalion. We encourage new members to obtain smocks from "Soldier of Fortune" based in England or from the company "King and Country" no longer in existence but occasionally available on ebay
There are two acceptable helmets in our unit. The example on the left with full leather chin strap is correct for the entire war. The helmet on the right with the web chin strap was first used in the Normandy campaign and is seen in growing numbers through the rest of the war
Complete P-37 webbing. It is important to note that although British paras did not take large packs into combat, they were still issued and should be eventually obtained by new members.