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Uncover your potential', indeed! Once you stop ogling the girl, though, you might notice that this Australian Special Air Service (SAS) recruiting poster shows Australian Disruptive Pattern Camouflage to very good effect. [Image courtesy Brad Turner collection.]

Second 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 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.

A 2nd pattern Denison smock — the example shown here is taken from a 1944-dated smock, which was manufactured by John Gordon — 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. As a result, the camouflage pattern was much more 'blocky' than that seen on 1st pattern smocks. The colours of the 2nd pattern smock also differed from those of the earlier smocks: the base colour varied from a light to medium olive, while the overlying shapes were usually reddish brown and dark olive green.

The 2nd pattern Denison smock was shorter than the 1st pattern, and had tube-shaped sleeves, whereas the 1st pattern had tapered sleeves. The 2nd pattern smock also buttoning tabs at the cuffs and brass snap fasteners at the back, which allowed the tail flap to be stowed while not in use. In order to make it more wind-proof, the tops of woolen socks were frequently sewn into the cuffs. The half-length zip fastener on this smock was made of brass.

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, for his invaluable contributions to this article.

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