British Greatcoats [WW1 / WW2]

[Buzz_Fledderjohn]

Hey all,

I want to buy a reproduction British greatcoat for next winter. Either WWI or WWII. The following two links caught my eye:

P40 overcoat from WWII (British):
http://www.whatpriceglory.com/ukunif.htm (scroll down a bit)
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6991/p40overcoatsm0.th.jpg (http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p40overcoatsm0.jpg)

British greatcoat from WWI:
http://www.sutlers.co.uk/acatalog/WORLD_WAR_1.html (scroll down a bit)
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5873/greatcoatftfx2.th.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=greatcoatftfx2.jpg)


Are these accurate reproductions? I want something that looks close to the real thing, not some half-assed attempt. Oh, and it should be warm of course. :)


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/British_55th_Division_gas_casualties_10_April_1918.jpg/800px-British_55th_Division_gas_casualties_10_April_1918.jpg

That's the kind of stuff I'm looking for. I'm sure there are plenty of guys with knowledge of military uniforms here. Hope you guys can help me out. Maybe you can even link to better websites.

Thanks!

[Havoc345]

Hey all,

I want to buy a reproduction British greatcoat for next winter. Either WWI or WWII. The following two links caught my eye:

P40 overcoat from WWII (British):
http://www.whatpriceglory.com/ukunif.htm (scroll down a bit)
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6991/p40overcoatsm0.th.jpg (http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p40overcoatsm0.jpg)

British greatcoat from WWI:
http://www.sutlers.co.uk/acatalog/WORLD_WAR_1.html (scroll down a bit)
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5873/greatcoatftfx2.th.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=greatcoatftfx2.jpg)


Are these accurate reproductions? I want something that looks close to the real thing, not some half-assed attempt. Oh, and it should be warm of course. :)


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/British_55th_Division_gas_casualties_10_April_1918.jpg/800px-British_55th_Division_gas_casualties_10_April_1918.jpg

That's the kind of stuff I'm looking for. I'm sure there are plenty of guys with knowledge of military uniforms here. Hope you guys can help me out. Maybe you can even link to better websites.

Thanks!

Next time when you post a picture highlighting a certain a piece of kit have some situational awareness and don't use a picture of a bunch of Brit soldiers blinded by Mustard gas.

[Buzz_Fledderjohn]

Sorry if I offended anyone. I know what's happening in that photo. It's just that that was the best example I could find.

[Havoc345]

It's ok just try not to do it again.

[Wha_Dar]

The WWII loooks the part. Not sure about the WWI coat. There are a few places that cell the reproductions for around $130US.

OCCS wind your neck in, it was a question. You even posted the pics again.

[Suicaine]

Sorry if I offended anyone. I know what's happening in that photo. It's just that that was the best example I could find.

i cant see the offence personally, everyone knows it happened, it wasn't fighting fair but wars aren't fair. to pretend it never happened would be more offensive than posting a picture could ever be. (perfect example would be the holocaust)

- Alex.

[Britboy]

Must say I thought it was a bit harsh of OCCS too. That picture does nothing but shows the reality of war - it's not pretty, but neither is organised human violence.

Perhaps it is better we all have a realistic image of the consequences of warfare in our minds, than to believe it is all a clear cut matter!

[gaijinsamurai]

I've purchased stuff from What Price Glory several times, and the proprietor, Jerry Lee (Major, US Army, Ret.) is a great person with whom to do business. i'd recommend his products without reservation.

And don't worry about the pic. I think the vast majority of us took no offense.

[Geezah]

And don't worry about the pic. I think the vast majority of us took no offense.

What gaij said...........

[California Joe]

I had a darkbluish gray one that was US Airforce issue given to me by a buddy that didn't want it, looked almost exactly like the WWII one except for the color. Warmest damned coat I ever had. Big heavy thing.

[Buzz_Fledderjohn]

Hey, thanks guys. Nice to know the WWII one looks like the real thing. A bit of historical accuracy is always good.

By the way, these were worn by the infantry soldiers, right? Or just the officers?

[oldsoak]

There were two coats issued - one for officers, the others for OR's. Having said that, mounted troops ( cavalry ) had different coats from ground troops designed to be worn while on the back of a horse in WW1.
Officers were also allowed to purchase their own great coats from tailors - provided they were made to the approved pattern and colour. IIRC, warrant officers were also allowed to do this.

[T3ngu]

I have a P40 (if i have not thrown it out) issued to my Grandfather during ww2 and also a more modern one issued to an Australian Army Officer prior to his deployment in Vietnam (even has gold buttons and looks like the p40). I only know this because he told me.

Both of them are at my parents farm, but the modern one is warmer and more comfy than the older one.

I have slept wearing the newer one and found it ok, needless to say I was banished from camp due to my sheer drunkenness and slept up against a tree.

When spotlighting at night, i used to wear a parka underneath the coat and then gloves.

I would be happy to give the older one away, im never going to wear it, pity im so far away.

Newer one below, bad pics sorry.