88th Division Uniform

[SARGE]

Gents,

 

A recent addition of a named 88th Division uniform grouping. The Ike jacket, trousers, cap, and tie are all named to the identified PFC and are all wartime issue. The 88th "Blue Devils" served as occupation troops for the disputed Italian territory of Trieste. They also served as the police for the territory until civilian police could be trained and stood up.

 

Here is a photo from "Uniformi E Distintivi Della Polizia Civile" by Guido Rosignoli of a couple of occupation troopers making the arrest of a fleeing Italian wearing camouflage trousers.

 

 

A view of the June 1944 dated uniform. Notice the yellow Cavalry piped overseas cap dated April 30 1943.

 

 

The Ike jacket has been altered during the time of use to install a zipper and snaps. When I received the jacket it had an incorrect set of modern collar discs but they have now been restored to the correct wartime Cavalry insignia.

 

 

Closeup view of the "TRUST" patches that are on the left shoulder.

 

 

Another photo from the Italian book cited above showing the "TRUST" shoulder insignia in wear by an occupation officer.

 

 

Enjoy...