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The blue beret began to replace the khaki field service (fore–and–aft) cap late in 1943, and had been worn by all ranks of Royal Marines in Combined Operations from that summer. Although it was generally issued, it was not worn throughout the Corps until 1948. In 1995 it is only worn by young officers and recruits (including juniors) under training, for the green commando beret has been worn by all ranks passing their commando course since 1960. This green beret had previously been worn by all ranks in Army and RM commando units since its introduction late in 1942.3
The Wolseley helmet was worn between the World Wars in hot climates, as part of a man’s non–ceremonial dress, when the brass ball was replaced by a zinc top. In the Mediterranean it was worn with a khaki cover during field training. In World War II many Royal Marines in hot climates were issued with the khaki tropical helmet with a ribbon of Corps colours on the puggaree (left side), and khaki bush hats were also issued when appropriate.
Cloth insignia
Examples of the shoulder flashes of RM units are given in Fig. 15; other formation signs were worn from time to time, although after May 1942 Royal Marines were not allowed to wear ‘Army Area badges etc, and other Army distinctive badges (Signals, Artillery etc) ...’ ‘Y’ Bty (MNBDO I) had worn the Polar Bear insignia of 49 Division while in Iceland with this division in 1941–2. 27 RM Signals Coy had worn the 2–in coloured strip the army used to distinguish different branches, changing from blue/white for signals to red/blue of artillery, as it came under different commands. When with Twenty–first Army Group, the Coy is reported to have worn — contrary to orders? — the Group’s formation insignia. RM Armoured Support Group’s personnel also wore artillery distinguishing marks (or shoulder ‘bars’), as the formations which became the Group were formed from RM Division artillery units, which appear to have followed the 1942 permission for 31 RM Light Battery to wear a red and blue shoulder patch. Landing craft personnel wore the Combined Operations’ insignia.
Specialist qualifications (SQ) badges are also shown in Fig. 15, but have been, and are, those currently worn by army and navy specialists, with a few exceptions, as explained in the caption. Since 1945 a great number of specialist qualifications have been introduced, and a system of stars and crowns incorporated into the SQ badges denote the wearer’s degree of efficiency. These badges were worn on blues, battledress, khaki service dress and tropical rig before 1964, but since then have only been worn by RMs in Lovats. The position of these SQ badges has varied from time to time, and varied to distinguish specialists from specialist–instructors, in the position of the badge on the tunic sleeve.
Army–pattern badges for good conduct, World War II length of service and wound stripes were also worn by Marines. In the 1990s good conduct badges are awarded to RM other ranks at 4, 8 and 12 years’ service with good conduct.
Combat Dress 1980s and 1990s
The No. 11A Arctic combat dress had: a DPM cold weather cap had velcro fastenings on its crown to which the quilted cotton ear and neck flaps could be folded back, these flaps incorporated nylon fur and the cap had any badge of rank on its front; a DPM windproof jacket; lightweight green or DPM windproof trousers; combat shirt [khaki]; woollen heavy jersey; ski march boots; snow gaiters; ski march toe covers; inner woollen mittens; windproof/waterproof outer mittens. Also available were: a loose fitting two–piece snow suit in white nylon and worn over combat clothing; Du–liner Arctic overalls for technicians; and thermal overboots for sentries and others on static duties. Snow goggles were also available for ski patrols. (See BR81 Dress Regulations for Royal Marines.)
In 1991 a new Desert Lightweight Combat dress in DPM material of various shades of stone and brown was first worn for operation ‘Haven’. But to avoid the need to issue special clothing when men were to operate in different theatres in 1995, a new uniform was introduced as Combat Soldier 1995 (CS95). The basic uniform consisted of a lightweight shirt (worn outside the trousers) and trousers, both of cotton/polyester DPM material, under which a cotton T–shirt could be worn or thermal underwear including ‘Long Johns’ in cold weather climates. A shirt with a zip fastener at the front, in the Norwegian army style with a roll–collar might be worn under the combat shirt. A wind–proof thigh length gaberdine smock in DPM cotton was worn in moderately cold weather, and a fleece lined jacket was available for cold weather. This jacket had a zip fastening, a woollen collar and elastic cuffs, normally worn under the smock. This clothing could be covered by waterproof over–garments of a smock and trousers. These were in a material which allowed perspiration to evaporate to its outside, but prevented water passing through this material from the outside. This Moisture Vapour Permeable material (MVP) was used for other linings. The principle of which this clothing was designed relates to the layers of dress which retain air as an insulator between layers.
The combat boots worn with CS95 dress had shock absorbing soles and a speed–loop lacing system with an eyelet. There was also a Pro–boot which was Goretex–lined (an MVP material) for wear in severe weather. Gaiters in heavy duty nylon or MVP material were worn for added protection against water seeping into boots. The gaiters covered the whole of the upper boot with a strap under the instep and reached to just below the knee.
Gloves issued with CS95 had a pair of nylon inner gloves with rubber grips on the palms, and leather outer gloves with MVP linings. The Mark 6 GS Combat helmet could be worn with a white or a DPM cover, and was made of a bullet–resistant plastic. NBC suits were worn at times when chemical warfare attacks seemed likely. These protective smocks and trousers had patches that could detect chemical vapours, they were worn with black rubber overboots and rubber gloves as well as a respirator.
The Combat Dress (see above) in the 1990s could be supplemented by various items privately purchased, giving rise to the Army’s allusion to ‘Millett’s Marines’. Milletts were a chain of shops selling camping equipment and clothing in the second half of the 20th century.
Webbing and Similar Equipment
This has followed army patterns for field service, but Marines were also issued with hammocks and other items of naval kit — oilskin, duffle coats, etc. in World War II — when required. As a result even a small Marine detachment of 14 men travelling by rail could be mistaken for the baggage party of an army platoon, for the Marines had seagoing kit bags, army kitbags (with their tropical suits, etc.) and hammocks, taking up considerable space in a luggage van.
By 1995 Marines used the 1990 Pattern of Personal Load Carrying Equipment (90 PLCE) of heavy duty nylon, with black plastic quick–release buckles. A nylon mesh yoke fastened to the back of the waist belt, had wide padded straps which stretched over the shoulders and were attached to two narrower adjustable straps which came up from the two ammunition pouches, one each side of the wearer’s chest and attached to the belt. Two further ammunition pouches could be fastened to the belt, as could a bayonet frog, an entrenching tool, a water bottle and a respirator. Two adjustable side straps could be worn for added stability. This PLCE could be worn in three configurations: Assault Order when the weight was kept to a minimum consistent with the projected battle; Patrol Order which allowed for rations to be carried and other necessities for prolonged time in the field; and Marching Order when a Bergen might be carried. This Bergen rucksack usually carried spare clothing, a tent, climbing equipment, rations, a stove, possibly ammunition reserves, and an appropriate shovel. (White camouflage could be added using a cover with elasticated sides.)
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