British Infantry Guidelines
updated 9/01 at 6:48pm

British forces in the “Battle for Caen” event will be representing men from the 7^th Armoured Division in the summer of 1944. During this time they were in almost constant combat for over a month, and this was taking an obvious toll on the men of the “Desert Rats”. Participants are encouraged to look sloppy, and with a few days scruff on their faces. The men have been engaged in the gradual, dogged advance on Caen for a few weeks. 

Should you have any questions or concerns about these regulations or the event, please feel free to email Jon Bocek (the Allied Coordinator) at: poilu1917@aol.com
 

Insignia
For this scenario we are encouraging (not requiring) all personnel to wear the 1/5^th Queen’s Royal (Surrey) Regiment insignia (Queen’s shoulder title, 7^th Armoured Divisional patch, and red service strip) OR go "slick sleeved".  Queen’s Regiment cap badges are VERY highly recommended to be worn if you can for the event. Insignia should be WWII vintage or quality reproduction.

Event Organizer's Note:
The encouragement for British participants to portray the Queen’s Royal (Surrey) Regiment, is mainly to help better the historical scenario's authenticity for the small section of the front we are looking to recreate. This is for historical purposes only, and not to be viewed as a insult to the group you commonly represent. We hope you understand our attempt to bring forth a unique historical scenario & will help us by taking this little but significant step in adjusting your impression for this event if you can. 
 

Helmets
Mk II “Brodie” Helmets with early spring chinstrap are highly recommended; Mk III “turtle” or “invasion” helmets are permitted, but in limited numbers.  Helmet nets both khaki and green are allowed. Helmet Scrim and hessian/burlap covers are NOT to be used.
 

Headgear
GS Caps, FS Caps, and cap comforters are allowed for the event, though the GS Cap is the recommended headwear. Queen’s Regiment cap badges are very highly encouraged for FS and GS Caps.
 

Battledress
P40 Battledress wool blouse and trousers are the recommended uniform for this event, though P37 will also be accepted. NO DENIMS, AND NO GREEK OR COMMONWEALTH BD. Must be British pattern BD wools, period or well made reproduction.
 

Undershirts
The British issue khaki flannel wool collarless shirt is the only acceptable undershirt at this event, except for officers who are to wear the cotton shirt.
 

Footwear
Must have proper pebble-grained, cap toed black ammo boots with hobnails and irons and leather laces done ladder style. Officers may wear the brown ammo boots or black if preferred (as many junior officers did while in action). Boots will be worn with the P37 web anklets, for which blanco is HIGHLY encouraged. NO DMS BOOTS, PERIOD!!!
 

Eyewear, jewelry, ect.
Period frames or only authentic reproductions are acceptable for the event! Please do not plan on wearing modern frames and expect to pass inspection! Please plan in advance!

Modern jewelry should not be worn, or well hidden. Signet and wedding bands are acceptable regardless of style. Please NO body jewelry! Only Period or reproduction watches should be worn.
 

Equipment
P37 webbing including belt, shoulder braces, snap closure Mk II ammo pouches (the Mk III tab closure pouches are not acceptable), sleeve or skeleton carrier for water bottle, e-tool carrier, and small pack. It is also EXTREMELY recommended that all the webbing be blancoed (if it is not, then you might glow in the dark; plus it actually was regulation for the webbing to be blancoed). All metal hardware on the webbing must be brass, NO BLACK OR GUNMETAL! Officers naturally may replace the ammo pouches with pistol holster and ammo pouch, and a P37 binocular case. British issue first field dressing should be carried in its trouser pocket. Though the gas masks were of little value and often thrown away, the lightweight green bags used to carry them were often kept for carrying personal items in, and may be used for this purpose. Compasses should be worn by Officers and are encouraged to be worn by platoon sergeants and weapons crews. Map cases are for use only by Officers. White and brown mugs are acceptable. Postwar dated brown mugs may be used.
 

Entrenching tools
It has been said that during the Normandy Campaign that the shovel was more vital than a rifle! Plan on bringing a SERVICEABLE entrenching tool. EVERYONE must have the standard e-tool and the proper web carrier for it and/or a GS Shovel. Again, it is highly recommended that webbing be blancoed. EXPECT ORDERS TO DIG IN!!!
 

Raingear
Dutch and Belgian capes are discouraged, but will be tolerated. Original British tan rain capes are HIGHLY recommended.
 

Weapons
No. 4 Mk I Rifle is the mainstay of the Allied riflemen for our event.

Bren guns are encouraged, each squad should have one, so please bring them if you have one. (remember to use long neck blanks for the Bren gun). 

Sub Machine Guns- NCOs and officers may carry Sten guns of the Mk II or Mk III models. Magazines for the Sten were usually carried in the basic snap closure pouches. Sten bandoliers, like the Mk V model of the Sten, were an airborne item, and shall not be used at this event. Thompsons of the M1928, M1928A1, and M1A1 variants are also acceptable, but must have the horizontal foregrips. Magazines for the Thompson are also carried in the basic Mk II snap closure pouches. 

Pistols- Are only to be carried by Officers and members of Vickers MG crews only! NO EXCEPTIONS! If a pistol is worn, it must be worn with the P37 web holster.

Captured weapons- Photographic evidence shows some British troops using captured weapons at this time, mostly German submachine guns. MP-40 variant is allowed. But the user must also have in his possession his British Issue weapon at all times!  
 

Tentage, Blankets, etc.
Carry only what you need, and carry what you need for a night's stay out on the line. A gas cape or rain cape to lay down on should be all you really need.
 

Rations
Rations are not included in the price of registration, so please plan accordingly! Reproduction rations are encouraged. Period foodstuffs in appropriate period wrappings are also encouraged. Of course all items must be wrapped in period style and have period labels (nothing modern permitted).
 

In General

• Please make sure you are familiar with British hand signals, commands, and tactics. 
• Proper military courtesies will be given to those of rank.
• Expect to follow orders, and live the life of a soldier in the year 1944.
• Carry only what you can on your back! Prepare your kits accordingly!
• Please smoke either unfiltered cigarettes, cigars, or even best: a pipe!
• Please keep conversations period 1944 to the best of your abilities to heighten the experiences of others!
• Please refrain from bringing other modern devices (such as Cell phones) into the field!
• There will be just one port-a-john on site! Bring some Toilet paper with you!