25 Aug 2010
OVER 50's KOKODA TRACK EXPEDITION
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T.J.WILSON
UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE AIF DURING WW2
This pictorial library is devoted to the recording of "Uniform and Kit" issued to an Australian Soldier of any corps, during the Second World War. Consider it a virtual "Q" Store in Australian militaria. It is not exhaustive and will be added to over time. Any reader who wishes to contribute photographs and text will be recognised and credited with such information. I also invite collectors of other nation's militaria to forward content (please see our other countries listed on the drop down menu) - so that a comprehensive list of "Axis" and "Allies" uniform/kit is detailed.
Australian Army Boots (Pattern 10085) Metal Toe Tip The underside (sole) of the above pictured Pattern 10085 Australian Army Boots with the metal toe tip. An exerpt from the Second World War Army Pamphlet titled "CARE OF THE FEET - NOTES FOR FOOT ORDERLIES" and dated 1942 states:- IRON TOE-TIPS are a useful protection when marching on rough ground, particularly on long marches when the soldier is apt to drag his feet and wear out the toes of his boots and when marching in close order with other men in front of him, he finds difficulty in avoiding the stones and other inequalities of the road. Australian Army Boots (Pattern 10085) With Jungle Cleats Colloquially called "Jungle Boots" or Australian Army Boots with "Jungle Cleats"; they are simply an Australian Army Boot Pattern 10085 with the brass cleats nailed to the sole of the boot. These cleats were added as a result of lessons learnt during the Kokoda campaign, in order to add traction to the sole in muddy and slippery conditions. A variation in the design of the metal heel plate can also be seen - when compared to the image above (horse shoe type); in that the heel plate on this particular pair is complete around it's circumference. Image courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection. The first account that I have ever read, regarding the use of these Jungle Cleats by Australian troops in the field - features on page 326 of Paul Ham's book, titled "KOKODA". Referring to the men of the 16th Infantry Brigade (2/1st Battalion, 2/2nd and 2/3rd Battalions) he states "The new troops acclimatised swiftly to the conditions. Their training in Ceylon had proved useful, and they moved with comparative ease, even finding time to admire the 'beautiful butterflys'. Their sprigged boots offered better grip on the muddy slopes. They progressed rapidly over the first few ridges". However, the entry of 16 Brigade into the Kokoda Campaign began in October of 1942. I have never seen any surplus boots dated prior to 1943 - with most surviving examples dated 1944 and 1945. If Paul Ham's information is correct, the manufacture of these boots must have commenced by at least August or September of 1942 - if they were issued to the 16th Brigade in time for their deployment to New Guinea. If you have a pair of these boots (with Jungle Cleats) that are dated 1942, I invite you to contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator with a photograph to confirm this information please. Wish to learn more about Australian Army Boots, worn by troops on the Kokoda Track? PLEASE CLICK HERE Australian World War 2 Boots - Comparison An image showing the manufacturing difference between the early pattern Australian Army Boot - with the Pattern 10085 Service Boot. The double stitching which was incorporated into the toe cap is clearly evident. These boots are held in the Kokoda Historical Collection. Australian Army Boot Comparison World War Two - Australian Army Boot Comparison. When the early pattern Army Boots on the right (similar to the First World War pattern boots) are placed alongside the later Pattern 10085 Army Boots with the stitched toe cap (on the left), it is easy to distinguish the difference between the two designs. Without a doubt, the later Pattern 10085 Army Boot was influenced by the British design footwear (which are dyed black in colour); in that a "toe cap" was incorporated. Indeed, the Australian Army also changed it's colour scheme from tan during the Second World War, to black in the early 1950's. It is common to find many tan coloured surplus WW2 boots, over dyed with black for issue during the Korean War era. The image of thes boots is courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection. Wish to learn more about Australian Army Boots worn during the Second World War on the Kokoda Track? PLEASE CLICK HERE |
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