British Airborne 1st Model ‘Step-In’ Paratroopers Smock 1942

Rare WWII British Airborne 1st model Step-In Paratroopers Smock, manufactured by Rego Clothiers Ltd, produced in a heavy gabardine khaki coloured material with working central front zip, Newey Patt press stud fittings to the front, storm type cuffs and armpit ventilation. Shoulder straps to both shoulders. Lower side pockets have the original zips. Interior of the smock has the original label ‘Jackets Parachutist’ Rego Clothiers Ltd, size 2. War Department inspection stamp with date letter N for 1942. The smock is in very good clean condition, minimal wear. These smocks were the first examples produced and issued to the newly formed British Airborne Forces. The UK based the design on early German paratrooper smocks, which were also a step-in pattern. These early smocks were issued to the Airborne forces which took part in the Bruneval Raid (Operation Biting). They were later replaced by the more commonly found Denison Smocks. For more details about these items please see “Denison British Airborne Specialist Clothing from WWII to the Present Day” by Bruce Wilson.