HISTORICAL: SAS SMOCK

THE WINDPROOF “SAS” SMOCK

IT IS SAID THAT A SOLDIER LIVES WITH WHAT IS IN HIS OR HER PACK, FIGHTS WITH WHAT IS ON THEIR BELT AND SURVIVES WITH WHAT IS IN THEIR POCKETS, AND IF YOU ARE WEARING A BRITISH ARMY WINDPROOF SMOCK YOU HAVE PLENTY OF POCKET SPACE! AA RESIDENT KIT HISTORIAN WILL F TAKES A LOOK AT AN ENDURING GARMENT WHICH HAS ITS ROOTS FIRMLY IN WWII BUT IS STILL SUPERB TODAY!

The garment that is often called an “SAS Smock” owes its origins to a simpler garment developed in 1942. This was printed in a distinctive colour -fast brown and green splinter camouflage and consisted of a pull over garment with draw cord at the hood and hem with two pleated pockets at the top and two patch pockets at the skirt. It was not waterproof but offered good camouflage and was a lot more practical than a battledress blouse. It was initially issued to the SAS, SOE and SBS but by 1943 had filtered down to the infantry where it was used by snipers as an alternative to the Denison Smock. A matching set of over-trousers was produced to complement the smock.

Variations of the ‘Windproof’ followed in different colours; white (or at least natural cotton) for desert operations, olive green and black. The post war smocks had a full length heavy duty zipper but retained the same pocket design, and these were still in evidence with the SAS in the 1970s! In the late 1960s though a new design the Smock, Windproof, 1963 Pattern, was produced in the distinctive camouflage known as Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM). The DPM version had large box pleated pockets with larger than standard buttons that could be opened by gloved hands. There were draw cords at the hem waist and around the hood, though the hood was rarely used and was rolled up tightly around the back of the neck. The SAS Smock was a distinctive garment made from Gabardine a windproof quick drying material, and cut to fit more loosely, to fit over other layers of clothing and the Trooper’s belt order. Where the standard combat jackets were closed by a full-length zipper, covered by a buttoned flap, and buttoned cuffs, the windproof smock used Velcro to close the flap over the zipper and to fasten the cuffs. The smocks became particularly popular as a private purchase item in the

1980s when soldiers found that they being issued with very poor quality combat clothing that had ostensibly been developed from experience during the Falklands campaign of 1982. A similar DPM Windproof smock was introduced designated the Smock Windproof Arctic and was primarily issued to Royal Marine Commandos and Army serving in Norway. Unlike Smock, Windproof, DPM it had button-on rank loops on the chest and back, as well as a wire ‘stiffener’ for the deep hood that allowed it to be moulded around the wearer’s face. It proved very effective in the Antarctic winter of 1982 in the Falklands.

Since its inception the SAS./Windproof Smock has formed the basis for a diverse range of combat smocks Some are startlingly expensive for a garment that may see the wearer rolling around in mud, or pushing across rough terrain and prickly woodland. However they often have some useful features like extra internal and external pockets. A long poacher’s pocket across the back of the skirt is one feature and two first field dressing/compass pockets on the sleeves. In addition a compass pocket may be added to the chest. Deep zippered inside pockets that can be accessed from the outside are handy for maps or other documents like TAMs. Though the cuffs are secured with Velcro tabs other modifications can be knitted para smock cuffs; these are great in cold wet conditions but do not allow the sleeves to be rolled up if it gets hot. There are cheaper copies around probably manufactured in the Far East and to be honest if you want a knock about jacket/smock they will do the job perfectly well. I had one which I was happy to modify in many ways with extra pockets and an elasticated draw cord at the hem for a snugger fit. The newer smock may be windproof but it is still not waterproof; one solution is to add a MVT layer jacket underneath. There is a very handy Dutch Army MVT jacket on the market that with some small modifications will offer this protection.

CURRENT DAY

The current issue Windproof Smock is in Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage and uses the Canadian looped toggle pattern buttons; it has been upgraded and redesigned from the earlier CS95 smock. The significant improvements include angled pockets and more, reinforced panels. The cut is also more generous than earlier smocks, allowing for easier movement when it is worn as a top layer over other layers. The hood is wired and can be rolled and buttoned in place when not needed, and the two-way heavy-duty zip at the front is full length with a Velcro secured storm flap. For pockets, you have plenty of options; two large expandable chest pockets with two zipped internal chest pockets alongside. There are also two large expandable hand-warmer waist pockets which are fleece-lined as well as two angled sleeve pockets with Velcro panels for attaching Zap patches or other badges/panels.

For protection from the elements, the cuffs are windproof with Velcro fastening and there are drawcords at the waist and hem. Useful additions are zipped ventilation armpits to allow the wearer’s base layers to breathe, front rank loop and a mesh lining. The rear rank loop has been discarded because it had a tendency to snag on camouflage netting. Soldiers will always have opinions about kit and clothing and there have been criticisms of the mesh lining saying that it can snag on fleeces and other layers. If it gets wet the hand warmer pockets take time to dry out and many soldiers have commented that hands should not be stuffed into pockets or indeed hoods worn.

The “SAS Smock” is, after many years of service, and man redesigns a thoroughly valid garment; while it is harder to find genuine olive green smocks they are great general outdoor clothing and less of a “signature” garment than DPM or MTP, so perfect for more every-day wear.

Product images shown are of the reproduction “WWII SAS Smock” sold by www.silvermans.co.uk, historical images found in the public domain. AA