Uniform and Equipment
The Argyll and Sutherland Highland soldier of the 1940s was issued the standard uniform of the British infantryman –the British Battledress Uniform.  While still a Highland regiment and keeping some of their Highland traditions, the uniform was the same standard two-piece wool blouse and trousers universal to every Tommy.  The first pattern, introduced in 1937, updated the WWI look and featured a shirt length wool blouse with pleated chest pockets and concealed buttons on the blouse and trousers.  By 1940 a war economy pattern was manufactured with plain pockets and exposed buttons. Both were worn throughout this period.

Agylls at FIG 06

Under the jacket or Battledress blouse was worn a collarless pullover shirt, made of lighter weight wool.

Below is the khaki drill uniform worn by the 7th Bn. in North Africa and Sicily

Soldiers wore black boots, pebble-grained, cap-toed boots with leather soles and laces. The soles were hobnailed and the laces are strung “ladder style.” The bottom of the pant cuff was gathered in a web anklet.

Weapons

The standard British infantry weapon was the 303 SMLE No.4,Mk1. Original Lee Enfields are readily available at a reasonable cost. Reenactors fire blank rounds in standard brass shells.

Each British infantry section of 10 was built around support for one Bren 303 caliber light machine gun. The Bren section is made up of two privates and a lance corporal. The rest of the section is commanded by a corporal.

 B Company generally fields three sections with three Brens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argylls marching out at FIG

On their head, the Highland troops wore the military version of the balmoral, the Scottish Tam-O'Shanter or TOS cap. The regimental badge was pinned upon a square of tartan on the left side.  In battle, the flat style British Mark II helmet was standard.

The soldier’s kit was self contained in the Pattern 37 webbing, ammo pouches, on a web belt, with shoulder braces that also were attached to a canteen, entrenching tool, small and large pack. 

All the uniforms worn by Argyll reenactors are reproduction, but the web gear and helmets are original issue.

For ceremonial dress, the Highlander retained his kilt, with lovat or OD hose and a red hose flash.

 

References

A great book -the two volume set- The British Soldier; from D-Day to VE-Day, by Jean Bouchery, Histoire & Collections

Also, British Battledress 1937-1961, by Brian Jewel and Mike Chappell, Osprey Books, 1981