Surplus Ike jackets

[macwilkin]

Remember that the so-called "Ike jacket" is merely a US copy of the British "Battledress" jacket, adopted in the 1930s. The Germans copied it too (the M44 jacket).

The Battledress jacket was widely worn with kilts by all the Highland regiments throughout WWII and through the Korean War. I have hundreds of photographs of Scottish troops wearing Battledress jackets with kilts... unfortunately none of them scanned onto my computer.

And, in the years following WWII, Battledress/Ike jackets became extremely popular amongst civilian pipe bands in the USA. I have seen dozens of photos of US civilian pipe bands from the 40s through the 60s wearing these jackets.

Reproduction Battledress jackets are available, in any size, and they look great with kilts. The introduction of the Battledress jackets was great for the kilted regiments, because it was already short and therefore didn't have to have a special short version made for the Scottish regiments.

...or just watch Tunes of Glory.

T.

[OC Richard]

...or just watch Tunes of Glory.

T.

Yes indeedy! Ninety minutes of battledress jackets and kilts! The greatest "kilt movie" of all time.



And plenty of officers in Blue Patrol jackets too



"d'ye hae a wee lassie in toon?"

[Chas]

WOW - talk about live and learn! Before reading this thread I would have immediately said, without thinking, that the battledress top was traditional, not modern. The military wore them - they have to be traditional.

But, oh no, they are not. A twentieth century introduction!

We all look, but often don't see. In this case, I had seen, but wasn't aware.

Thanks Alan.

Regards

Chas