October 30, 20187 yr #1 This is a very nice attributed (I will respectfully not be naming him) and patched Denison Smock. This particular example does have some holes in the sleeves and some paint marks on the reverse, but overall still very appealing. The smock was worn by a Sergeant of the 15th (Scottish) Parachute Battalion (TA), later re-designated 15 PARA (SV) in 1967. The smock has a unique individual modification, the zippered pocket going across the upper back. Also it has the white night tabbing marker under the rear collar. The Sergeant was a qualified Assistant Parachute Jump Instructor (APJI) and those are the wings displayed on the right sleeve along with the drop zone flash for the 15 (Scottish Volunteer) Battalion and his sergeant strips. On the left sleeve is again the drop zone flash and above it is a small Company Indicator patch, originally green (B Company) it has faded to a light blue. On the inside front right is a very nice makers label showing height and chest measurements along with the contract number. Denison Smocks like this one are becoming more and more difficult to find. I was happy to become the caretaker of this example and it is displayed in the living room fitted with Pattern 58 web gear that I also received from the Sergeant. Thanks for looking.
August 14, 20214 yr #9 The Smock Denison 1959 Pattern, the successor to the Smock Denison Airborne Troops, was contracted for production first in 1961, with subsequent production contracts every year until 1968 except for 1964. I have not found a contract number after the 1968 Cookson & Clegg Ltd A/78/CLO/24067 contract. Manufacturers of the Smock Denison 1959 Pattern include BMC (1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968), J. Mandelberg & Co Ltd (1962), Cookson & Clegg Ltd (1968).
December 24, 20214 yr #10 lance Corporal in H.Q. company white tape for night marching. This is a piece of minefield marking tape sewn under the collar, so that at night the guy behind you can follow you from a short distance, the helmet would also have a white square at the back as well.
February 25, 20242 yr #12 On 8/14/2021 at 8:32 AM, numbersix said: The Smock Denison 1959 Pattern, the successor to the Smock Denison Airborne Troops, was contracted for production first in 1961, with subsequent production contracts every year until 1968 except for 1964. I have not found a contract number after the 1968 Cookson & Clegg Ltd A/78/CLO/24067 contract. Manufacturers of the Smock Denison 1959 Pattern include BMC (1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968), J. Mandelberg & Co Ltd (1962), Cookson & Clegg Ltd (1968). Hi, I always thought that there were four variants of the 1959 pattern smock. I’ve since been told that there were five with an additional GDS version. The GDS (pictured) appears to be in a WW2/Post War pattern but not colours that I’m familiar with. The next, first production variant was in post war (1950’s) fabric. 4th image are the first and second variants, side by side. In around 1961 was the what I initially thought was the first variant, followed in 62 by the third. The so called, Banana variant came next, followed by the final variant which was replaced by DPM in the 70’s. Last image is the full set. Not mine unfortunately. My second variant of the 1959 Pattern, made by BMC (Belstaff) in 1961 Nice Size 8. My third pattern 1959 Pattern smock. It was a tiny Size 1. The first three images are of the same smock, taken on the same day. Strange how colours change which becomes more obvious with the fourth variant, which is sometimes referred to as the Banana smock. Couldn’t find any size 8’s, so decided to have a crack at reproducing the pattern and colours. Currently awaiting delivery of my Size 8 reproduction smock. Last image is a New Old Stock original smock which I based my colours on. Again, I could find a Size 8 of the 4th variant, mid 60’s (Banana) so I had a crack at making my own. Original smock (images 1&2) followed by my reproduction. My pattern includes addition shapes of Normandy (top right), Arnhem (bottom of zip), Falkland Islands (left sleeve) and Northern Ireland, which isn’t visible in this picture. The tailor didn’t understand the pivot of the pattern, left and right sides, front and rear so wasn’t copied. Maybe next time? My Size 8 version of the 5th and final variant that was to be replaced by DPM.
September 14, 2025Sep 14 #14 Again, couldn’t find a size 8, sooooo…… had a go at making my own. This is it, my reproduction. Another version of my reproduction fabric but owned and tailored by Karl Jackson. I think he makes a pretty decent smock. This is mine, made by USV Gear from my reproduction Gabardine fabric These were my Kit Jackson, no relation to Karl or me. He went for a Windak feel. You can see how the base taupe colour changes with camera settings / lighting conditions. Some time appearing quite yellow
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