Help oversize uniform

CWO (ret) Gilles Aubé · #1 24-10-08, 01:43

We are a re-enactment group called: the ‘3rd (Montreal) Field Battery of Artillery.
We owned a 25 Pdr howitzer a caisson and a C15A as a gun tractor.

One of our members needs an oversize uniform.
His sizes are: chest 66 inches and the waist of 52 inches.

Does any one know where we could get him a uniform: summer 1943, Battle dress 1943, or a Canadian green olive combat that has been replaced recently?

Gilles
UBIQUE

Alex Blair (RIP) · #2 24-10-08, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWO (ret) Gilles Aubé

We are a re-enactment group called: the ‘3rd (Montreal) Field Battery of Artillery.
We owned a 25 Pdr howitzer a caisson and a C15A as a gun tractor.

One of our members needs an oversize uniform.
His sizes are: chest 66 inches and the waist of 52 inches.

Does any one know where we could get him a uniform: summer 1943, Battle dress 1943, or a Canadian green olive combat that has been replaced recently?

Gilles
UBIQUE

Gilles..
Try...
Ohmar,The Tent Maker..
LOL

sapper740 · #3 24-10-08, 18:57

I didn't know that the oxen pulling the caissons also wore Battle Dress. Sorry, bad joke. I'm afraid your friend may be out of luck if he (I assume it's a he!) wants an original uniform. Canada produced oversize uniforms during the war...the Brits stopped at size 18 whereas the Canadians carried on from 19 to size 32 although I must admit I don't know what measurements that translates into. I can tell you I've had trouble finding original Battle Dress for my 6' 2" 205lb. frame. What Price Glory in California makes KD (Khaki Drill) uniforms in oversize. Also, they have contracted with Dorothea Mills (I believe) to make repro WWII Canadian berets. I've seen them and the material would be suitable for Canadian Battle Dress. Your friend might be able to acquire enough material and /or contract with WPG for a tailor to make a custom fitting BD. Don't know if that helps or not.

Derek.

CWO (ret) Gilles Aubé · #4 24-10-08, 19:44

I want to thank all does that give me some good tips and at the same ignore does that made silly comments.
L'ignorance n'a pas d'âge.

Gilles Aubé
UBIQUE

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #5 24-10-08, 21:01

Relax, GIlles.... I think what they're trying to say is that as much as they admire your friend's spirit, the fact is that there were very few people in this society in 1943 who carried that kind of weight - and thus, very hard to find period clothing for them, especially uniforms. Regardless of the jokes about just needing a pulse to get into the army (and even then some would doubt that

), there were standards of fitness and health which I frankly doubt someone with a 66" chest and 52" waist could pass - hence the humour. I'm sorry if that offended you, but the fact is, I daresay the average Canadian soldier in WW2 would stand about 5'8" and be about 140 lbs (if that), which translates to about a 36" chest and 30" waist (if that).

Cheers,

Geoff

Rob McCue · #6 25-10-08, 03:30

Hi,

You may want to try a website from a fellow named Sanjiy Suri in India, his prices are very low, he custom makes the garments for you, and will ship them within a couple of months, he has WWII British battledress in Khaki color, not any Canadian green yet.

I have ordered mess kit, battle dress and parts of uniforms from him before and all have been in good quality and the service hasn't let me down yet.

His website is,

http://www.replicaters.com/

Cheers,

Rob

dougiebarder · #7 25-10-08, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball

Relax, GIlles.... I think what they're trying to say is that as much as they admire your friend's spirit, the fact is that there were very few people in this society in 1943 who carried that kind of weight - and thus, very hard to find period clothing for them, especially uniforms. Regardless of the jokes about just needing a pulse to get into the army (and even then some would doubt that

), there were standards of fitness and health which I frankly doubt someone with a 66" chest and 52" waist could pass - hence the humour. I'm sorry if that offended you, but the fact is, I daresay the average Canadian soldier in WW2 would stand about 5'8" and be about 140 lbs (if that), which translates to about a 36" chest and 30" waist (if that).

Cheers,

Geoff

I'm not a fan of reenactors, but I might not mind so much if it was done realisticly. Which in his case would probably involve being beasted around the parade ground, until he was fit-should be funny to watch at least

(sorry-couldn't resist)

Niteshade · #8 26-10-08, 02:06

I am going to have to concur to some degree. As much as it pleases me that he is wanting to be a re-enactor (and these folk are hard to come by), he is grossly obese and never would have been allowed entry into the forces back in the war.

Do you really want someone so obese representing 3rd (Montreal) Field Battery of Artillery? Would the representation you put forward reflect accurately that unit during WW2? I would say not. I don't think they let 300+ lb people in their unit then.

There are a number of reproduction companies in the world who fabricate new repro items. Use google/yahoo and search "ww2 uniform reproduction" and you will find many suppliers. Maybe one can custom tailor a uniform for your friend.

Good luck.

Nites