Sunday, 7 April 2024

Experimental Uniforms

 Getting the Swedes out of their Winter Quarters, sorry boxes, reminded mr ( for some reason) of the pre WW1 French experimental uniforms -




Some say if they had been adopted then the French would have lost far less men in the Great War. However that’s not what I want to discuss. I am interested if anyone knows of similar experiments conducted by other countries? If so do you have any pictures or further information?


11 comments:

  1. Present Kannik book Military Uniforms in Colour is helpful on this - Archive online copy here: https://archive.org/details/militaryuniforms00kann/page/n9/mode/2up
    Belgium was in transition from a semi Napoleonic cut, a real mixture issued in WW1 in 1914. Denmark in WW2 was also in transition in April 1940, fairly unchanged from the 1860s.

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    1. Kannik is always such an interesting read…
      Alan Tradgardland

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  2. You might want to look up the 'Albert Hat' or 'Albert Shako' - named for Prince Albert, who came up with the design.

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    1. Most interesting, thanks . I prefer the hat to the shako btw.
      Alan Tradgardland

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  3. I painted a regiment of 24 AIP French in just this uniform. The color of tunic and helmet were not very different from the German so might also have led to confusion, friendly fire and so on.

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    1. Small world isn’t it? The confusion issue is a thought…
      Alan Tradgardland

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  4. Such experiments were conducted in Norway from 1902, when they they were looking for a successor to the dark blue/black field uniform from 1894. They ended up with a greenish 'mountain grey' field uniform. Keeping in mind that this experimentation started prior to Norway was looking to end the forced union with Sweden eiter peacefully or with force, some claims that the Swedes complained about these 'camouflage' uniforms as they were harder to spot. These uniforms didn't become standard one before 1914.

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    1. Most interesting, tell us more…
      Alan Tradgardland

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    2. I'd love to do that, but too bad this comment section is not a very good platform though share such information or photos. I'll provide you with some photos and information and perhaps you find something you can use among it.

      Roger

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  5. For an American experiment, look up "Liberty Bell Helmet."

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  6. A new one to me, most interesting.
    Alan Tradgardland

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