What Did A British WW2 Soldier Wear?

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  • čas přidán 22. 11. 2022
  • This is Private Perkins' WW2 uniform and equipment tour.
    Courtesy of Chalke Valley History Festival.
    #WW2 #History #military
    📺 It's like Netflix for history... Sign up to History Hit, the world's best history documentary service and get 50% off using the code 'AbsoluteHistory' bit.ly/3vn5cSH
    This channel is part of the History Hit Network. Any queries please contact: owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com
    #AbsoluteHistory #ChalkeValleyHistoryFestival

Komentáře • 457

  • @makeitsonumberone1358
    @makeitsonumberone1358 Před rokem +3007

    Guys over the fence "what year is this?" 🤣

  • @scoutgaming9728
    @scoutgaming9728 Před rokem +1794

    For those wondering, the reason he mentioned ‘trenches’ was that since this is 1940 with another World War between Britain+France against Germany, they thought it’ll be another trench warfare induced war so they dug in during the ‘Phoney War’ for preparation. They haven’t improved tactics, since they pretty much won the First World War with just using trenches, so they stuck with that up until they got Blitzkrieged. Also yes, I’m aware trenches were used much later on during WWII, just making this comment since most non-history people associate the use of trenches with WWI.

    • @outdoorscholar6016
      @outdoorscholar6016 Před rokem +188

      I can only imagine the pants-filling terror that they must have felt seeing infantry, armor, and aircraft being used at the same time

    • @scoutgaming9728
      @scoutgaming9728 Před rokem +109

      @@outdoorscholar6016 Definitely something the Allies weren’t prepared for at the time.

    • @svuntekarlberg
      @svuntekarlberg Před rokem +72

      @@outdoorscholar6016 They knew what'd happened in Poland. I'd say they knew that the Nazis were sitting on something and sort-of what it was, but not what it would be to actually fight it. The allied fighting force should however not be underestimated, the French armored corps was so big it would've been able to compete with the German one and despite what the myths tell you, they weren't bundled up in the Maginot because they thought it'd protect them against Germany, no. It was to redirect an attack against France long enough for them to prepare properly. People sadly forget this fact and for the truly amateur historian, it was a German "blitzkrieg" that brought the Allies to their knees, all thanks to superior German tactics and equipment.

    • @chuckbuck5002
      @chuckbuck5002 Před rokem +38

      While I’m not a historian, from what I have heard and read, the British and French were not overwhelmed blitzkrieg as many people believe but had underestimated how quickly the Germans could move through the dense forest terrain of the Ardennes.

    • @scoutgaming9728
      @scoutgaming9728 Před rokem +23

      @@chuckbuck5002 I never said they were overwhelmed but yes that is correct. They underestimated the Germans and the Germans managed to encircle the entire BEF (British Expeditionary Force) and France’s best armies, leading both Allies to abandon their prepared trenches and defenses. This would later led them to either be killed, captured, or led them to flee from Dunkirk beach.

  • @Skillzzzzzzz
    @Skillzzzzzzz Před rokem +192

    The guy in the back: oops sorry wrong set

  • @WiskOfficial
    @WiskOfficial Před 10 měsíci +317

    My man needs to be a call of duty announcer

  • @pizzademon154
    @pizzademon154 Před rokem +742

    The guy in the shot at the end 😅

  • @MROMERO2007
    @MROMERO2007 Před rokem +147

    Guy at the end "Oops wrong time period". 😂

    • @mombaassa
      @mombaassa Před rokem

      How/Why is this the wrong period?

    • @Niedzwiedz_f
      @Niedzwiedz_f Před rokem +15

      ​@@mombaassa close to the end of the video If you look behined him at the metal fence you can see someone with a hat that was commonly used during the 17th century looking over it for a second before disapearing

    • @mombaassa
      @mombaassa Před rokem +2

      @@Niedzwiedz_f Yes. I see him now. Thanks! 👍

    • @Niedzwiedz_f
      @Niedzwiedz_f Před rokem +1

      @@mombaassa your welcome.

    • @DB-yj3qc
      @DB-yj3qc Před rokem

      ​@@Niedzwiedz_f
      I was thinking WTF when I seen that too.

  • @donniev8181
    @donniev8181 Před rokem +114

    This guy would make a great actor!

    • @castleanthrax1833
      @castleanthrax1833 Před 9 měsíci +1

      By playing the role of a WWII soldier in the BEF, he IS an actor.

    • @johnpettifuctardsightlessa2707
      @johnpettifuctardsightlessa2707 Před 6 měsíci +1

      I think he is acting sir

    • @donniev8181
      @donniev8181 Před 6 měsíci +2

      @@johnpettifuctardsightlessa2707 yes I know, im talking about in major motion pictures.

    • @roymunson1
      @roymunson1 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@donniev8181anyone with half a brain knows that what you mean. These antagonist fools had to be just trolling you.

    • @revell1914
      @revell1914 Před 20 dny

      Thanks guys. Appreciate you.

  • @rebeccarichards9474
    @rebeccarichards9474 Před rokem +155

    Wtf was that over the fence?🤣🤣🤣

  • @Jeff-fc3tw
    @Jeff-fc3tw Před 8 měsíci +22

    This Guy is Exactly what i picture a British soldier to look,Talk and act like during WW2.
    Great video friend! ✌️😁

  • @jackmeyers7805
    @jackmeyers7805 Před 11 měsíci +36

    This guy sounds so authentic

  • @keithrickson8522
    @keithrickson8522 Před 9 měsíci +12

    Napoleon Bonaparte just popping his head in 😂

  • @stealthsniper.4636
    @stealthsniper.4636 Před rokem +308

    Dude was fighting in the wrong war 💀

    • @mombaassa
      @mombaassa Před rokem +1

      What do you mean?

    • @carzy6073
      @carzy6073 Před rokem +44

      ​@@mombaassa probs means the revolutionary war chap who pops up at the end

    • @mombaassa
      @mombaassa Před rokem +4

      @@carzy6073 Oh, I see. Thanks! 👍🏻

    • @castleanthrax1833
      @castleanthrax1833 Před 9 měsíci +1

      Usually, at the start of EVERY war, the side that's on the "defence" IS fighting the wrong war.
      It often takes a few weeks or months to adjust to the attackers tactics.

    • @stealthsniper.4636
      @stealthsniper.4636 Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@castleanthrax1833 I'm talking about the Guy in the Background that poped his head up.

  • @AC-hj9tv
    @AC-hj9tv Před rokem +29

    Real soldier voice 💯

  • @Joshua-gk3xu
    @Joshua-gk3xu Před 10 měsíci +7

    I'd love to see this guy do some acting or voice acting. His voice sounds badass

  • @joshuadougherty8077
    @joshuadougherty8077 Před 11 měsíci +11

    Dude sounds like he smoked the same amount as back then

  • @dogsrlcatsdl4524
    @dogsrlcatsdl4524 Před rokem +12

    Rock on my BROTHER'S!!! as a combat veteran myself... I say STAY LOW, STAY ALIVE!!!...

  • @taylorlibby7642
    @taylorlibby7642 Před rokem +66

    That Lee-Enfield .303 was a helluva weapon. Repeatedly demonstrated the superiority of disciplined and accurate semi-automatic fire.

    • @serge430
      @serge430 Před rokem +48

      It's not semi-aoutomatic. It's a bolt action.

    • @THE_CRIMSON_FUCKXR
      @THE_CRIMSON_FUCKXR Před rokem +10

      ​@Sergio Rodriguez tell that to the Germans who got struck by the mad minute

    • @jackarmstrong8790
      @jackarmstrong8790 Před rokem +16

      @@serge430 I’ve used one. Bolt has some witchcraft going on that makes it so that the handle snaps open. Basically the fastest bolt action you can make

    • @ethanedwards422
      @ethanedwards422 Před rokem +6

      ​@@serge430by a well trained section, as far as the germans knew, they were being hit by semi automatic. The Enfield was really quick to cock compared to other bolt action rifles.

    • @medievalarmorexptert6827
      @medievalarmorexptert6827 Před 11 měsíci +6

      @@ethanedwards422even a well trained section will be inaccurate and non-synced in a combat situation that it becomes pretty clear theyre bolt actions.

  • @mcgazzabeast2440
    @mcgazzabeast2440 Před rokem +8

    First short I’ve watched from this channel and I gotta say I love the presenters voice - it sounds really weathered, it really adds something to the video

  • @JOSEPHSTALINML
    @JOSEPHSTALINML Před rokem +6

    Bro that guy over the fence is from the era of napolean lol

  • @TheRedBaron2010
    @TheRedBaron2010 Před 9 měsíci +2

    I was expecting the British soldier to have a SMLE Lee Enfield from WW2. Not the WW1 version.

    • @tedhubertcrusio372
      @tedhubertcrusio372 Před 2 měsíci

      SMLE Mk. I rifles were issued in WW2, alongside No.4's. During the war, you can tell if the soldier is a 'gentleman' (a junior officer) because of his SMLE, or a 'grunt' (issued a newer rifle, or if he's unlucky enough, a Sten).
      Contrast that to US doctrine (Sergeants and senior officers were usually issued M1 carbines, M1 Thompson submachine guns or a shotgun) and Soviet doctrine (Officers, especially politruks, usually carry enemy weapons alongside their sidearms, out of necessity. The most common enemy weapons used by Soviet officers were the Hungarian 35M rifle, the ZB vz. 24 Mauser rifle, the MP38/MP40 submachine gun, the Arisaka Type 99 short rifle, and the Suomi KP31. PPSh guns were not exclusive for officers and are actually just issued to lots of soldiers who were brave to clear out rooms. Sniper rifles are issued to those who exhibited impeccable shooting skills.)

  • @djoecav
    @djoecav Před rokem +53

    I like this guy a lot

  • @pink_love_cat4928
    @pink_love_cat4928 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Gotta love the guy peaking over the fence

  • @America_theAmerican
    @America_theAmerican Před 9 měsíci +1

    He looks like a battlefield 5 soldier

  • @thecossackcrusaderofholybr8448
    @thecossackcrusaderofholybr8448 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Was waiting for him to say “and remember, switching to your pistol is always faster than reloading”

  • @Pablokillerjerez
    @Pablokillerjerez Před 9 měsíci +2

    Close quarters
    *Proceeds to fix a bayonet longer than the rifle*

  • @user-vr4oq8ho9n
    @user-vr4oq8ho9n Před 9 měsíci +1

    did y'all see that guy poping upp with a tricorn at the right side when he said air?

  • @timw6928
    @timw6928 Před rokem +11

    I own one if those Lee Enfield rifles and all I can say is I'd Never want to be hit by that lump of lead it doesn't just piece flesh but absolutely shatters anything it passes through

    • @jacqirius
      @jacqirius Před 9 měsíci +1

      .303 is a big cartridge, the third largest/powerful infantry cartridge in use in ww2 only smaller than the 30-06 and 8mm Mauser

  • @Workerbee-zy5nx
    @Workerbee-zy5nx Před 9 měsíci +1

    Aye, at ease Private..carry on

  • @IIIVI
    @IIIVI Před rokem +15

    I like the little "haven't needed it yet" with the gas mask bit. Chemical warfare wasn't as prevalent as it was in the 1st world war.

    • @louisavondart9178
      @louisavondart9178 Před 10 měsíci

      ..It wasn't used at all unless you count WP. The Germans use mostly horse transport still and couldn't afford getting hammered with gas attacks and lose all their horses.

    • @88porpoise
      @88porpoise Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@louisavondart9178Against the British, no.
      There was some limited usage of chemical weapons against the Soviets by the Germans (most likely local commanders taking initiative rather than a top down command) and somewhat extensive usage against the Chinese by the Japanese.
      There were also situations like the sinking of the John Harvey where soldiers could be exposed to poison gas. In that case, German bombers blew up a cargo ship transporting mustard gas to Italy. While both sides refrained from using chemical weapons, both kept them ready to respond in kind of the other side used them.
      It has been said that Hitler refused to allow the usage of chemical weapons because of his experiences in WWII. And probably had had an impact, but I would put my money on it being much more impactful that the Nazis knew that if they used poison gas the enemy would respond in kind and in much greater volumes. Imagine if those thousand bomber raids had some mustard gas, phosgene etc mixed in.

  • @Charlestrav01
    @Charlestrav01 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Don't mess with him, he sounds like SAS!

    • @88porpoise
      @88porpoise Před 8 měsíci

      He said 1940, so no worries there, yet

  • @user-hi9by3us6i
    @user-hi9by3us6i Před měsícem

    The guy in the back THE RED COATS ARE HERE

  • @jebadiahkerman1195
    @jebadiahkerman1195 Před rokem +2

    I like to imagine that some guy went back in time and started to record soldiers

  • @danditto6145
    @danditto6145 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Wow, those gas mask bags really stood out. Completely destroys the camouflage effect of all those earth tones.

  • @ardian-8
    @ardian-8 Před 5 měsíci

    Bro hadn’t recovered from the Shell Shock of WWI he is already fighting another war

  • @dbfi01
    @dbfi01 Před rokem +28

    Poor lads... RIP

  • @BattalionhistorycornerWW2
    @BattalionhistorycornerWW2 Před 7 měsíci

    Bro sounds like he is in a videogame

  • @THEcruzmitchell
    @THEcruzmitchell Před 9 měsíci +1

    This guy looks and sounds like a real soldier😂

  • @ihaveabunda
    @ihaveabunda Před rokem +1

    Bruv sounds like Gaz from cod4

  • @QueensStandUp
    @QueensStandUp Před 7 měsíci

    Over in America, my M1 Garand does my talking

  • @jnati0n_97
    @jnati0n_97 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Did a revolutionary chap just pop his head up????

  • @Jay87OK
    @Jay87OK Před 9 měsíci

    Bro was peeping

  • @kazaragi072
    @kazaragi072 Před 8 měsíci

    This guy needs to be casted! I love the character

  • @Rokaize
    @Rokaize Před 5 měsíci

    This man’s voice is something truly special

  • @thecossackcrusaderofholybr8448

    “Remember, switching to your shovel is always faster than reloading.”

  • @misanthropicservitorofmars2116

    “Spade, can be used for close quarter work if needed”
    *Happy Krieg Gasmask noises*

  • @rimple1158
    @rimple1158 Před rokem +1

    "What comes up 👆 must come down 👇"

  • @raiser1769
    @raiser1769 Před 10 měsíci

    this is like if a news team came to interview your character in a world war game

  • @Mastersargentkelso
    @Mastersargentkelso Před 9 měsíci

    This is perfect. Perfect look and acting. MUST BE IN A MOVIE! 👏

  • @Mrmidknight-yx9pg
    @Mrmidknight-yx9pg Před 6 měsíci

    I need this man to say switching to your side arm is fastern then reloading

  • @PhilSharrar
    @PhilSharrar Před 9 měsíci

    The guy behind the fence: "Aye, What year tis'?"

  • @misssmith7225
    @misssmith7225 Před 9 měsíci +2

    #Puttee not #Puppies. Puttees are pieces of cloth wound around the lower leg. Puppies are pieces of cuteness wound around the heart.

  • @luigi6019
    @luigi6019 Před rokem

    His accent reminds me of the peaky Blinders. It’s so cool. Wish I had a thicker british accent.

  • @julienpellegrino5395
    @julienpellegrino5395 Před 11 měsíci

    That voice from the back of a pub in Dublin after 2 a.m 🤣

  • @overforker2623
    @overforker2623 Před 9 měsíci

    Not the red coat jumpscare in the background 💀

  • @Tegwan11
    @Tegwan11 Před rokem +2

    Britain probally didn’t think Germany was gonna be back and didn’t bother to advance their uniform

    • @elliott7531
      @elliott7531 Před měsícem

      They actually did. This is known at Pattern 1937 uniform. It's much shorter and tighter fitting than their WW1 era uniforms. The British were the first fully mechanised army in the world and this uniform reflects that as it was designed to not get caught on vehicles now that soldiers would constantly be mounting and dismounting. It's ugly but was very practical. Eisenhower loved it and had his personal tailor make him a jacket based on the British uniform. It's the short cut jacket he's wearing in most photos of him.

  • @user-vv6bd3qz6r
    @user-vv6bd3qz6r Před 9 měsíci

    Did anyone else notice the guys head pop up from behind the metal fence? 😂😂

  • @user-ym1ce6ik3i
    @user-ym1ce6ik3i Před 4 měsíci +1

    did he have his tea yet?😂

  • @robertclarkguitar
    @robertclarkguitar Před 6 měsíci

    I heard the metal Gear solid effect when the head popped up behind the fence. 😅

  • @undergroundfro9653
    @undergroundfro9653 Před rokem +10

    Great voice 👍🏽

  • @Gameprojordan
    @Gameprojordan Před 9 měsíci

    I prefer the No4 Mk1 Enfield.. that rear aperture sight/stubby ladder sight combo is so nice..

  • @swaggyjeff5346
    @swaggyjeff5346 Před 11 měsíci

    Love the voice, I can almost hear him yelling at me in a video game.

  • @cheeseforeveryone
    @cheeseforeveryone Před 11 měsíci +2

    Sounds like Phil Mitchell’s grandad 🤣

  • @dannycreasy8673
    @dannycreasy8673 Před 6 měsíci

    Nice video, but that rifle sling is attached incorrectly. The farthermost swivel hole (in the steel nose piece) should have an open stacking swivel installed (used for grounding rifles in camp) and the rifle sling should be running through a closed sling swivel in the outer band. This ‘Tommy’s’ sling is improperly threaded, and its usefulness for shoulder carry and firing support would be lessened.

  • @mrblehr4202
    @mrblehr4202 Před 8 měsíci

    Where do you have the enfield stripper clips ? P37 webbing was designed to wear bren magazines and grenades in the big pouches. You seem to forgot the cloth bandoliers

  • @michaelmckeel3992
    @michaelmckeel3992 Před rokem +1

    I heard the Drag Queen Fusilers wear some pretty nifty gear. That garish make-up is very effective for infiltration. Urban LBJPedo camo.

  • @ScootHasAYouTubeHandle
    @ScootHasAYouTubeHandle Před 9 měsíci

    This is such stunning camera quality for 1944.

  • @michaelmayo3127
    @michaelmayo3127 Před 8 měsíci +1

    The English battledress wasn't very practical under battlefield conditions. On the other hand, the American battledress; was well suited for battle field conditions.

    • @bryanandrews7391
      @bryanandrews7391 Před 4 měsíci

      Having worn and used both extensively in reenactment and tacticals I disagree. British battledress is way more practical and comfortable in the field and the p37 web gear was light years ahead of the US. It’s the first truly universal modular system whereas the US still had different pouches for different roles within the squad. Not to mention the Americans still wearing ties and dress shirts in combat in 1941😂 by the end of the war with the 43 field jacket you might have an argument. The American helmet is better albeit. But I would choose British battledress over US field dress any day. It’s also warmer

    • @michaelmayo3127
      @michaelmayo3127 Před 4 měsíci

      @@bryanandrews7391 "reenactment and tacticals I disagree" So you've never worn a battle dress for more that a few hours.

  • @elliotchinneryhinks8554
    @elliotchinneryhinks8554 Před 7 měsíci

    What a guy, loved the passion and knowledge ❤

  • @mshotz1
    @mshotz1 Před 8 měsíci

    Don't forget the light shoes for running away to Dunkirk.

  • @williamrichardson5388
    @williamrichardson5388 Před rokem +1

    Gordon Ramsay 1940

  • @danielsteward8949
    @danielsteward8949 Před 9 měsíci

    The accent went so well with this vid

  • @christiankedenburg5489
    @christiankedenburg5489 Před 7 měsíci

    the man behind the wall

  • @colmcc-ij3nn
    @colmcc-ij3nn Před 8 měsíci

    I had the same rifle .The Ishapore issue .I cooked it with rapid fire on the range and it NEVER EVER failed .Nor did I ever have a misfire ..

  • @bigbadbamboo1
    @bigbadbamboo1 Před 11 měsíci

    That .303 is deadly

  • @TravelatorH8r
    @TravelatorH8r Před rokem

    Kilroy with the tricorn in the background

  • @gfingers9117
    @gfingers9117 Před 10 měsíci

    Also gotta add the gas caps
    which he is wearing, used throughout the war but mainly seen in ready position\quick deployment early war, later war discarded or used as rain capes

  • @joshuahenderson
    @joshuahenderson Před 9 měsíci

    The SMLE No1 MkIII is the most beautiful mil surplus, IMHO

  • @doobydoo88
    @doobydoo88 Před 7 měsíci

    watch out for the 1700s soldier behind you, you nearly took a musket ball to the back there soldier 😮😂

  • @BelgianDneprGuy2003
    @BelgianDneprGuy2003 Před 11 měsíci

    Lol the guy at the fence went 'is Napoleon defea- ehh doesn't look like it, better get back to my own time, whatever this time is'

  • @fun29194
    @fun29194 Před 6 měsíci

    Bro did I see michael jackson in the back💀

  • @FlowerF41RY
    @FlowerF41RY Před dnem

    Ain't no way Napolean popped out of no where in the end

  • @faucitv4684
    @faucitv4684 Před 7 měsíci

    Oh damn captain price in real life guys

  • @chuckmercer8950
    @chuckmercer8950 Před 9 měsíci

    Did a red coat just pop over the fence?😂

  • @user-on6xv2or4l
    @user-on6xv2or4l Před 9 měsíci

    a British "ROCKY'

  • @eskimo05w
    @eskimo05w Před rokem

    The audio is uneven.

  • @keithdurose7057
    @keithdurose7057 Před měsícem

    When the US adopted the British Brodie steel helmet on WW1. They did balistic tests. They decided that it should stop a •45 round at close range. It didn"t, so they improved the steel alloy by adding manganese. This made the US manufactured Brodies superior to the British origonals.

    • @WarPig_Official
      @WarPig_Official Před 12 dny

      Those helmets were designed to protect against shrapnel more than anything else

  • @Freddy_Fazbear_1983_
    @Freddy_Fazbear_1983_ Před rokem

    Bro shot out to the cameraman, this guy actually timed travelled to World War

  • @laurentdevaux5617
    @laurentdevaux5617 Před měsícem

    Nice ! But as far as the spade is concerned, very few were issued and most soldiers didn't like it. Hard to find, and I even don't talk about the cover, nearly impossible to find now. Or at skyrocketing prices when one pops up on the market...

  • @louikanellos5882
    @louikanellos5882 Před 11 měsíci

    who else saw that enemy in the back round

  • @17Trees33
    @17Trees33 Před 9 měsíci

    My unemployed friend on a Thursday

  • @janemilafable1933
    @janemilafable1933 Před 9 měsíci

    Is he from the pirates of Caribbean? He looks like the dude with the eyeball thingy, one of Barbossa henchmen.

  • @MrKaido93
    @MrKaido93 Před 9 měsíci

    British Gaiters should have been higher. The M44 Turtle Helmet was superior to the shallow WW1 Broadie helmet.

  • @halitbalcoglu3696
    @halitbalcoglu3696 Před 8 měsíci

    Right sight,mustache man in the trench,look and thinking; this man what are you doing 😂

  • @jm_b.5491
    @jm_b.5491 Před rokem +1

    How long is the bayonet?

  • @billyoconnell6669
    @billyoconnell6669 Před 9 měsíci

    Napoleon just popped his head over for a look 😂

  • @archmagosdominusbelisarius8836

    Napoleon tried to invade over the fence😂

  • @Hirsute_Heathen
    @Hirsute_Heathen Před rokem +1

    Check out those first WW puppies!

  • @MattSuguisAsFondAsEverrr

    allied drip check

  • @littilittiti1272
    @littilittiti1272 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Most importantant equipment : a skew sunhat helmet

  • @lukycharms9970
    @lukycharms9970 Před 11 měsíci

    I want more of this guy. Love the commitment :)