Clarification of British uniforms (UK, no Canada, Australia, India, etc., just UK)

[Jerry B]

Looks like 40 to me? But I do have a dim memory about once seeing a "42" pattern on a label? Anyone else seen that or am I dreaming it?

Cheers, Ade.

Hi Ade, Rob mentions a 42 pattern on a label in post #10, which is partly why I asked and also to check it does not say 47/49 etc.....

Thanks for the input, I can see it is Nov 42 ink stamp dated, just trying to careful and get the knowledge, though sellers who provide poor quality pics need a sl#p IMO.

[Battery Command Post]

What does the label read on this BD? I can't make out whether it says 40 or 42 pattern?

Thanks

Looks like it says 1942 Pattern to me, actually.

Rob

[Jerry B]

Looks like it says 1942 Pattern to me, actually.

Rob

That was my thought, but it is such a poor image, DOH!!!

[Battery Command Post]

This is the label I was talking about:



This is the jacket it's from:



Rob

[Truebrit]

Guys, I have another question for your Uniform experts please. When did the British Forces introduce the Bakelite General Service Buttons for wear on uniforms (certainly Greatcoats if not tunics) please? I think I have also seen Black RAF Bakelite buttons with the RAF Eagle on them too? Many thanks.

[Unionjack]

About 1942 for the olive "vegetable ivory" GS buttons.

Late war & early post war would see RAF buttons of all sizes, cap badge, and belt buckle all appear in black plastic.

[Truebrit]

Thanks for that. Did they put these buttons on just Greatcoats or on other uniform items too? Didn't some specialist Infantry or Cavalry units use black plastic buttons too? Best regards. TB.

[Ltmoravcuk]

Yes I can agree with Unionjack. The Bakelite GS Buttons or "vegetable ivory" economy buttons were introduced in 1942. I have at home at least 6 different colors as brown, almost red, green, dark green, olive green, etc.

[Unionjack]

Greatcoats and Service Dress tunics (Other Ranks, '1922 pattern')
There were some black plastic for Rifles Regiments too yes.

[Truebrit]

Thanks everyone for the clarification on the Bakelite buttons. I have another challenge for you. When did RN Fleet Air Arm adopt Battle Dress in favour of their Service Dress for air crew please? Also, if anyone knows, when did Canadian and Australian Forces also adopt it? Many thanks again. TB.