Errata Sheet For David Gordon WWII Tommy Weapons, Equipment, Uniforms Books?

[tj214]

H/T to Sapper740 for cluing me in about Gordon's books. Thanks again!

These three volumes, published some years ago, contain a staggering amount of information. Do errata/update sheets for these three volumes exist anywhere?

NOT criticizing on any level his Herculean effort; just wondering whether any updated information exists about the multitude of subjects he covered.

[42rocker]

You might want to poke around his website. And / or email him and ask??

WWII British Military Surplus, WWII British Tommy Books, British Militaria

Great Books

Later 42rocker

[Sapper740]

As far as I know there is no errata sheet for David's series of books. His latest edition of the 3 book set is labelled "Revised and Expanded" and I asked him about that when they came out and was told his research had uncovered much more information on the subjects. Interestingly, David remarked in the acknowledgements that even the revised and expanded books are "by no means comprehensive" but are a "good start". He's off to a reenactment this weekend so I don't want to bother him but I'll give him a call next week to see about getting your question answered.

[tj214]

Thanks. Didn't know he was still working on this project. I think (am certain) I have earlier versions of the three volumes, so will look for the most recent editions.

When you speak with him please ensure he understands I mean no offense, but every time somebody publishes something people come out of the woodwork with "additional information" they wish you'd had when you wrote the book (ask me how I know this...).

I'd also like to find out about whether the sniper Dennison smock had a pocket watch tab on an inside pocket similar to the one shown on the officer's Service Dress jacket on page 5 of the 2005 edition of his Uniforms volume. More to the point, can he tell me where/how snipers typically carried their pocket watch on active service? I'd expect this was generally left up to the individual, and obviously not an issue if they wore a wristwatch.

I've read many snipers carried their compass on a long strap around their neck and tucked inside the battledress/smock. Was it common to do the same with a pocket watch? Not sure I'd want the two banging together inside my shirt!

[GeeRam]

I'd also like to find out about whether the sniper Dennison smock had a pocket watch tab on an inside pocket similar to the one shown on the officer's Service Dress jacket on page 5 of the 2005 edition of his Uniforms volume.

There was no sniper Denison smock.
There was only 2 patterns of Denison smock issued during WW2, 1st Patt and 2nd Patt, and snipers were issued a standard smock in whatever pattern was available (I'd say all were issued the 2nd Patt that served in the ETO) and any mods done to the smock (such as additional pockets or knitted cuffs etc) were done at the instigation of the individual sniper after issue.

[tj214]

There was no sniper Denison smock.
There was only 2 patterns of Denison smock issued during WW2, 1st Patt and 2nd Patt, and snipers were issued a standard smock in whatever pattern was available (I'd say all were issued the 2nd Patt that served in the ETO) and any mods done to the smock (such as additional pockets or knitted cuffs etc) were done at the instigation of the individual sniper after issue.

I see in Gordon's first edition (2005) of Uniforms of the WW II Tommy that First Pattern Dennisons had knitted cuffs vice Second Pattern did not.

I misspoke (mistyped??) my question by referring to a "sniper" Dennison as I knew there was no specific sniper Dennision issued and should have said Dennisons worn by snipers.

I should have clarified my question to limit it to where a sniper night typically carry his pocket watch, and was a watch tab similar to the one on an officer's Service Dress jacket included or perhaps added by the sniper to secure his watch. And, I should have added "or was a pocket watch typically attached to a neck lanyard and carried inside the shirt or pocket?" similar to what Peter noted for the compass. As Sapper notes there was a late war sniper mod to the Dennision that added an oversized external patch pocket if approved by the unit commander, but that pocket was obviously not specifically intended to carry a pocket watch!

Re the "special match grade ammunition" Gordon mentions in connection with the short length of Vickers ammo belt sewn to a sleeve forearm, what exactly was this ammo? I can't find reference to it in any of Gordon's pubs, and if it's been discussed on this site I missed it. I saw a reference a few weeks ago to some snipers preferring Winchester .303 for its better accuracy, so is this the answer?

[Sapper740]

I see in Gordon's first edition (2005) of Uniforms of the WW II Tommy that First Pattern Dennisons had knitted cuffs vice Second Pattern did not.

Which brings us to two more unofficial modifications to the Denison smocks. The 1st pattern smock lacked the additional snaps to secure the tail-piece when not in use and led to many removing it completely to avoid having it dangle down in the rear. The knitted cuffs in the 1st pattern were appreciated for being windproof and led to short lengths of hose tops (socks) being sewn to the end of the arms on the 2nd pattern by some. As for David's "match grade" ammunition comment I'm not sure if he is referring to a specific match grade manufactured ammunition or simply referring to ammunition that is known for its accuracy.

As an amusing aside and speaking from personal experience, there is a large British Airborne reenacting community in Texas which prefers the 2nd pattern smock as it is cooler to wear when running around the countryside playing silly bugger in the Texas heat. When I used to reenact I'd go 'commando' under my 1st pattern smock and wool trousers lest I suffer from heat stroke. Now there's a 'modification' the Sergeant Major would frown on!

[Peter Laidler]

The compass was a delicate instrument and snipers were and still are, taught to keep it inside a top pocket on a piece of cord around the neck

[Sapper740]

tj, this might answer some of your questions: look on p. 135 of David's most recent book on uniforms covering modifications of the Denison smock. He states that special modification of the smock was approved for snipers on Feb. 24, 1945 which was the addition of an oversized external patch pocket on the left side of the smock's skirt. The modification was done at the unit level with materials scavenged from other smocks. The modification was optional and required the sniper's CO's permission. Another unofficial modification was sewing a short length of a Vicker's fabric machine gun belt to the forearm of one of the smock's sleeves to hold ammunition which could be accessed with a minimum of movement. There is no mention of a watch or compass pocket.

If you look on p. 265 of the same book David shows two leather lanyards that were private purchase popular with officers and NCOs to carry a watch, compass, or whistle. The single lanyard was made of leather and had a hole in each end, one to fit over a button, the other for attaching whatever to. The double lanyard was favored by officers of the Ox and Bucks when wearing battle dress.

Some people have confused the camoflaged windproof smock with the Denison smock which can lead to confusion although the two are quite different.

[browningautorifle]

The modification was optional and required the sniper's CO's permission.

This isn't a far reach as the sniper section is considered the Commanding Officer's own section. Under his personal employment...so it would like asking dad if you could mow the lawn for him.