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Mike Pursley, of Western European Products, models a reproduction First Pattern British Denison smock. Used by SOE and SAS operatives, these smocks were cut to resemble the garments worn by French workers. [Image: Western European Products.]

First pattern Denison smock camouflage
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

First appearing in 1942, the Denison smock was a coverall jacket, which was issued to the Special Operations Executive (SOE) — a British organisation that was responsible for training and coordinating the operations of partisan and resistance groups in occupied countries, the Special Air Service (SAS), the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, and other Commonwealth airborne units. The smock replaced an expedient first-issue grey-green paratroop jump-jacket that had been copied directly, in 1940, from the German parachutist's 'Knochensack' ('bone sack'). The smock's primary purpose was to prevent parachute rigging lines fouling on personal equipment when the wearer's parachute opened. However, it was equally useful as a camouflage garment, as a windproof, and as a method of carrying ammunition or equipment.

The 1st pattern Denison smock — the example shown here is taken from a 1943-dated smock, which was manufactured by Parkinson — was made from a heavyweight, yellowish sand-coloured twill fabric, onto which a swirling brush-stroke camouflage pattern of broad pea green and dark brown shapes was hand-painted with broad, mop-like brushes. The dyes used were not colourfast; as a result, the base colour typically faded to a sandy buff, while the overlaid colours acquired a blended appearance.

The 1st pattern Denison smock was a very loose-fitting garment because it was intended to be worn over Battle Dress; however, it could be adjusted, to some extent, by means of tabs on both sides of the lower part of the smock. It had a half-length steel zip fastener, knitted woollen cuffs, four external pockets that secured with brass snaps, two internal pockets at the breast, and epaulettes that were secured with plastic battle dress buttons. The inside of the collar was lined with khaki-coloured Angora wool. An 'ape tail' or 'beaver tail' fastened under the crotch from the back to the front of the smock; its purpose was to keep the garment from riding up during a parachute descent. When it was not in use, the tail would hang down behind the wearer's knees. Sometimes they were cut off altogether, or else press-studded to the side adjuster stud.

A 2nd pattern Denison smock was issued to British paratroopers late in the war. The dyes used in the production of this version were permanent, and silk screens were used to apply the camouflage pattern.

Denison smocks continued in service with British Forces until early 1980. It is still worn by some members of the Royal Marines Commandos and British Paratrooper units.

kamouflage.net is grateful to Darren Colwell, Chris Palfrey and Michael & Lauren Pursley (of Western European Products), for their invaluable contributions to this article.

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