Milsurp: Hopefully posting what uniforms looked like in Mar. '45 in Germany. Quite dirty
etc though.. This photo was taken a few days (I think) after the Rhine River crossing.
We just finished taking a small village and waiting to go on but taking a break so no combat packs or extra gear. Just weapons.. I am on the left, Johnny our radio man
for the walky talky with his Carbine and Sgt. Ed Garrow. In this time of year, usually a
field jacket was worn depending on weather. Cartridge belt with spare ammo also, two
frag grenades, canteen with cup, first aid package on belt, bayonet either on belt or on
combat pack which contained a shelter half, rain coat, entrenching tool, at least a days
rations (either C or K plus a D bar ) some dry socks, personal hygiene gear and personal things and cigarettes. Combat pack usually was less than 25 lbs. Also ones
alminum mess gear. In colder weather a "pile liner) was worn beneath the field jacket
and possibly a sweater. Also the "jeep hat" under the helmet plus G.I. gloves. The gas mask carrier (without gas mask usually) made another nice carrying place for many things. By this time the "rubber bottom shoe packs" were turned in as they were good, but not for long walkings use. No extra clothes were carried as clean clothes and showers came up at "intervals" when possible and yours were tossed in a heap and ones that had been laundred were given.. At this time hot meals and real coffee and bread
were provided for a change.
