Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original British WWII Second Pattern Denison Smock, manufactured by Denhams (Norwich) Ltd. and retaining its original 1945-dated War Department label. The smock is an unmodified wartime example in heavily service-worn condition, with substantial wear and several missing or damaged components. Particularly noteworthy is the survival of its original LIGHTNING-marked zipper, which remains complete, along with the manufacturer's label identifying the garment as Size No. 3. The original beavertail has been lost, and numerous snap fasteners are missing or broken, but the smock retains its recognizable wartime camouflage pattern and the characteristic construction of the Second Pattern design. Wartime Denison smocks are increasingly difficult to encounter with their original identification labels intact, and this example provides an interesting representation of the clothing issued to British airborne personnel during the final year of WWII.

The Denison Smock was one of the most recognizable garments worn by British airborne forces during the Second World War. Developed as a specialized camouflage and windproof garment, it was intended to be worn over the standard British Battledress uniform and provided additional protection and concealment for personnel operating in the field. The smock became particularly associated with the Parachute Regiment, but it was also employed by members of the Glider Pilot Regiment, airlanding units, Special Operations Executive (SOE) personnel, Air Observation Post squadrons, Commandos, and other British and Commonwealth formations.

The internal tag reads:

SMOCKS DENISON
AIR BORNE TROOPS
SIZE No. 3
Height 5’6” TO 5’8”
BREAST 36” to 38”
(BROAD ARROW)
DENHAMS (Norwich) LTD.
1945

The Denison smock was a coverall jacket issued to Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents, the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, Air Observation Post Squadrons, Commando units, and other Commonwealth airborne units, to wear over their Battle Dress uniform during the Second World War.

The smock was initially worn over the paratrooper's webbing equipment, but under his parachute pack and harness, as its primary purpose was to prevent the wearer's equipment from snagging while emplaned or during a jump. It was equally useful for camouflage and as a windproof garment that provided a method of carrying ammunition or equipment. Contemporary photographs show that airborne troops preferred to wear the smocks under their webbing once they had landed.

All four front pocket snaps are broken, in three different ways. Four out of the six snaps for the tail are gone to the front, and one of the two on the back are gone. Both side tightening snaps are retained in good order. There is some minor tearing in spots along the bottom edge, the cuffs, and the collar. One of the two shoulders has some stitching loss on the back, and there is some minor staining in spots across the exterior.

The 1945-dated Second Pattern Denison Smock is an interesting example of the specialized clothing issued to British airborne forces during the final years of WWII. Its original Denhams (Norwich) Ltd. label, Size No. 3 identification, and complete LIGHTNING zipper preserve important manufacturing details, while the extensive wear and missing components illustrate the condition in which surviving wartime garments are often encountered. The smock retains the distinctive construction and camouflage associated with British airborne troops during the closing stages of the war in Europe. Its wartime manufacture, surviving original markings, and unmodified configuration make it a noteworthy representative of the British Denison Smock for collections focused on WWII airborne uniforms and equipment.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 12"
Shoulder to sleeve: 22.5"
Shoulder to shoulder: 22"
Chest width: 28"
Waist: 24"
Hip: 28"
Front length: 33.5"