'British Battledresses of WWII' Complete Set

British Battledress was introduced just before the start of the Second World War. Each regiment had its own specific combat uniform, depending on its purpose and area of operation.

For example: the Western Desert Force, who fought under General Wavell, wore sandcoloured tropical uniforms with shorts for the hotter temperatures. The brave fighter pilots of the Royal Air Force often wore an accessory that became a regular feature of their uniforms: a silk scarf. The scarf protected their necks from chafing on the mandatory uniform collar and tie, while constantly turning their headsduring battle. The maroon beret became a distinguishing feature of British airborne forces in the Second World War. German troops called the British Parachute Brigade 'The Red Devils' because of their trademark maroon berets and fighting skills.

Less flattering was the uniform of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women's branch of the British Army: wide khaki skirt, belted tunic over a lighter khaki shirt, khaki brown lace-up service shoes and thick beige stockings. Queen Elizabeth II famously joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945, at the age of 18. During hertime in the ATS, Princess Elizabeth trained as a mechanic and learnt to drive as a Subaltern. Now a stunning set of 12 special strikes has been issued to document and commemorate the British Battledresses of World War II.