2nd Infantry Division uniform

[Centurion1982]

Hi,

 

I would like to make a mannequin uniform display of this 2nd Infantry Division sergeants M43 field jacket (Size 36R). The display must represent the time in Normandy.

 

I think I need to add the following:

- M1936 Suspensers

- M1936 Pistol Belt

- M1942 First Aid Pouch

- Canteen, cup and cover

- M1 Helmet (with net)

- M1 Carbine Bayonet with M8 scabbard

- M1 Carbine ammo pouch

- Colt 1911 leather holster

- Colt 1911 Magazine ammo pouch

- Musette bag

- Service boots

- M1 Carbine .30 (replica)

- Colt 1911 (replica)

- 2 MK2 handgranates (replica)

 

Are these items correct to add?

 

I also need to add a field trouser. What type and size of trouser would fit this group?

 

What clothes do I need to dress under the field jacket?

 

Did I forgot any others items?

 

Thanks,

Marcel

[Centurion1982]

It's a M1941 Field Jacket

[edstorey]

Sounds like this is a good time to buy a few references on the subject as this has all been covered in great depth over the years. For starters try looking on the Histoire Collections Militaria website as that publisher has some good references on WWII US clothing and equipment.

[268th C.A.]

edstorery is right! Reference books are what every collector needs to start with. but that being said. your basic kit list looks good....

[douglas]

you are doing a good job with putting together a list of

what you will need for a nice display.

I do have a couple of suggestions that you might consider:

First,

to determine what, if possible, was this SGT doing during his time

in Normandy, that would determine what weapons he would be carrying.

Second,

If, you decide he is carrying the M1 carbine and a pistol,

then, you would want the replica carbine without the bayonet lug, and with.

a full wooden stock (not the folding paratrooper type).

And the knife would be the M3 fighting knife, not the M4.

Ontario makes a pretty good M3 replica, just get rid of the Ontario scabbard, as

it is not correct.

None of the M1 carbines in Normandy had bayonet attachments.

 

Douglas

[Martinjmpr]

IIRC the bayonet lug did not get added to the M1 carbine until either the very end of WWII or after WWII. I think if you see a GI with a carbine that has a bayonet lug it's likely from the Korean war not WWII.

[Centurion1982]

Thanks for your responses.

 

I will chance the Bayonet into a M3 Trench Knife.

I will also add a M1 Carbine without a bayonet lug.

 

I will also add a set of leggings to the service boots. Or can I add M43 Combat “Double Buckles” Boots?

In pictures I see examples of both.

[Centurion1982]

I want to use this picture of a SGT from the 2nd Infantry Division

[Centurion1982]

Is this SGT wearing a OD 7 HBT Jacket under his M1941 Field Jacket?

 

To me it looks like he is wearing a M1 Carbine Ammo Pouch and a 1911 Colt Leather Holster on his Pistol Belt. Is this correct?

[Centurion1982]

This is the field gear selection which I would like to add to my display.

Is this the selection of field gear this sgt would have worn in Normandy?

[patches]

Is this SGT wearing a OD 7 HBT Jacket under his M1941 Field Jacket?

 

To me it looks like he is wearing a M1 Carbine Ammo Pouch and a 1911 Colt Leather Holster on his Pistol Belt. Is this correct?

The shirt is a OD Wool one, HBT M43 shirts had much broader collars and lapels. Yes to the pouch, looks like another ouch rather than a holster.

[patches]

This is the field gear selection which I would like to add to my display.

Is this the selection of field gear this sgt would have worn in Normandy?

Looks fine, just need that fighting knife as per douglas' and martinjmpr's reply.

 

But I too will add, BOOKS BOOKS and More BOOKS, you'll really enjoy looking at the BOOKS that are out there on the subject, not just WWII uniforms and equipment but also WWII insignia.