I am reading a book The Somme : An Eyewitness History. There is a great picture of the Seaforth Highlanders near Beaumont Hamel, afternoon of the first day of the battle in 1916. The highlanders are all kilted, of course. What is interesting is that they seem to be wearing what I can only describe as an over-kilt. This garment covers the kilt (you can see on a few of the men the pleats showing just below this other garment). The over-kilt is not pleated and looks like a protection for the kilt. It is clearly seperate from the jacket.

I did a little research and found this picture of a Canadian Seaforth Highlander.



It is not the same garment as the 1916 picture. In that the garment goes all the way round, not just at the front. Anyone out there know the history of the Highland Regiments and can enlighten me? Is there a history of "kilt-protectors"?

Thanks.