Is there any significant differences between Dragon's Monte Cassino troops and the earlier BEF uniform? I know they will need a chest respirator pack, but is there anything other than that? I believe there were some minor differences in BD construction which will not be very apparent in 1/35. It's too bad they are not consistent with the BEF troop set as they are not wearing greatcoats.

The difference is located at the pouches. For the BEF they are fixed in the middle on the belt.

Gérard

Biggles,
The biggest change to BD through the war was that early issues had a fly front which hid all the buttons (likewise the breast pockets).If the Monte Cassino figures have this they will be fine. Note that BEF troops had no formation signs or other badges apart from rank insignia, and a thin arm of service strip. I don't understand the comment about pouches, the webbing is 38 pattern in both cases. Individuals might wear their pouches differently in combat according to comfort and experience.The main difference is that all BEF troops tended to wear the gasmask pouch in the "alert" position on the chest.

I didn't totally understand the comment about the pouches either, but it might be a reference to much earlier equipment some troops were issued with - such as leather belts and ammo pouches dating to WWl!

Earlier pouches were shorter and hung on the belt so half the pouch was below and half of it above the belt

Later pouches were increased slightly to allow sten magazines to fit and hung on the belt so around 40% of the pouch was below the belt and 60% above.


Hope that helps

John

It's '37 pattern webbing, not '38.

The difference in the pouches can be seen in this photo on the 37 pattern page here on the excellent karkee web site

Interesting and useful info on the Basic Pouch. Thanks Pat.

Thanks for that link, Pat!

Great site.