British Snow Suits

Discussion in 'NW Europe' started by Tom OBrien, Oct 30, 2013.

  1. Richard1976

    Richard1976 Junior Member

    Interesting topic.
    2 pictures of the 52nd Lowland Div wearing snowsuits in Gangelt, Germany prior to Operation Blackcock. Photos: IWM
    A few more pictures are known with 7th Armoured Division and 52nd Lowland Division troops wearing snowsuits during Operation Blackcock.
     

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  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  3. 17thairborne

    17thairborne Member

    I notice the majority of the photos show the version with buttoned pockets. Is there archival of photo evidence of the use fo the light weight version without the buttons?

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  4. redtop

    redtop Well-Known Member

    The pic of guys in snow suits came to me from a friend in America who
    retrieved it from a Russian website showing captured German archives under
    the heading British Snipers.and asked for my comments and if I could
    identify the pouches round their necks,my comments are below,also is the
    chap on the right wearing issue snow overshoes

    .Snipers ? Two stens and a Bren perhaps they were the spotters and local protection .
    Chap on right turned out in a hurry for pic wearing shoes on the wrong feet.
    The pouches remind me of the Camel drinking packs that are in use now,Those
    are completely new to me.Looks like two different patterns the pipe on left
    seems to come from the end of the pouch whilst the one on the right from the
    front.
    .Also what's with the Bren gunners hands looks like
    the have been grafted on pic later or are they gloves?
     

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  5. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Looks like inflatable life belts , like those worn by troops invading Sicily.
    http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205195579

    [​IMG]
    THE CAMPAIGN IN SICILY 1943: OPERATION HUSKY. © IWM (NA 4193)IWM Non Commercial Licence
     
  6. Cee

    Cee Senior Member Patron

    I like the mukluks worn by the soldier to the right. No they are not overshoes more like winter moccasins that originally derive from North American natives. From the photo as posted on LAC they were with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment:

    "Infantrymen of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, who wear British snow camouflage clothing, prepare to go on patrol, Vught, Netherlands, 1 February 1945. (L-R): Privates F.L Russell, J. Sneddon, Corporal R.S. Marshall, unknown."

    I'll include include a photo of them training in a very nice wooden canoe which most of them would have been familiar with growing up in Canada. Since they were on water perhaps Owen's notion that they are using an inflatable bladder of some kind is correct?

    a142421-v6.jpg

    A link explaining the Battle at Kapelschel Veer which I'm not very familiar with. I'm surprised that Canuck hasn't been all over this one ... :P

    http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/kapelscheveer.htm

    Regards ...
     
    canuck likes this.
  7. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    Oh, but I have! ;)

    http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/35994-kapelsche-veer/?hl=kapelsche

    Not much interest at the time.
     
  8. Cee

    Cee Senior Member Patron

    Ah no wonder I stuck an "L" on the end of Kapelsche making my search useless ... :)

    It's interesting the role the Peterborough (?) canoe played here. Major General Voles who ordered them was hoping they would never arrive and thus delay or end the operation entirely before it began. Still they were successful in the end but paid a heavy price.

    Regards ...
     
  9. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    Peterborough Canoes are highly prized today. Their traditional cedar strip versions are a thing of beauty and craftmanship. Sadly, they went out of business in the early sixties due to the new aluminum and fiberglass technology.


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peterborough_Canoe_Company
     
  10. redtop

    redtop Well-Known Member

    Rather poor scan from British Snipers to the Reich by C Shore
     

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  11. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    He doesn't look too happy. Might have to go to the bathroom.
     
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Illustrated London News 20 January 1945
    trated London News 20 January 1945, 1.jpg
     

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    stolpi and Chris C like this.
  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Some photos from newspapers, not great quality, captions included though.
     

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  14. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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