The Lone Star WW2 Living History Crew

UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES for individuals who want to portray WWII-era USN and USCG sailors and petty officers with the Lone Star WW2 living history crew 

 

(updated 4/12/16).

 

These guidelines are based on:

 

* Review of the uniform guidelines of other museum ship living history crews;

 

* The U.S. Navy uniform regulations of 1941;

   http://www.uscg.mil/…/docs/uniforms/1941-USN-UniformRegs.pdf

 

* The Naval Officers' Uniform Plan of Jan. 1, 1943; 

   https://archive.org/details/NavalOfficersUniformPlan1943

 

* The Bluejacket's Manual, editions of 1940, 1943, and 1944;

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* Other historical sources such as memoirs and oral histories with WWII vets;

 

* WWII photographs and film from sources including the National Archives;

   http://www.archives.gov/research/

 

* Naval History Heritage Command research articles

   http://www.history.navy.mil

 

These guidelines provide a general framework for what your USN/USCG WWII impression should look like, as well as addressing some specific situations inherent in participating in WWII USN/USCG living history. It is divided into three sections:

 

Section I. lists the basic gear and uniform elements needed to get started at a basic level;

 

Section II. lists what is needed to participate as a seaman or petty officer at an advanced level, plus "recommended but not required" items;

 

Section III. lists gear and uniform elements for all rates that you should have to participate at an advanced level, AND recommended but not required items for all rates. Section III. is relatively detailed but obviously doesn't list every single item you might wish to bring for your impression, and this list should not be interpreted as meaning only those specifically listed items are permitted.  For example, Section III.A.5. "Tools or specialist equipment appropriate for any specially rating impressions member wishes to represent" is pretty broad and should give you leeway to bring some interesting and unique gear and personal accessories.

 

Separate guidelines are being developed for CPOs, officers and marines.

 

Please don't feel like you need to go out and buy all these items right away. Start with the basics and work from there. If you need suggestions on sources, or have questions, please contact Bryan Fitch or post your question here on the forum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lone Star WW2 Living History Crew (USN/USCG Enlisted)

Uniform and Gear Guidelines

 

I. All Members, Basic Uniform and Gear

In order to participate at a basic level in tLone Star WW2 Living History Crew activities, members must have the following:

 

A. All members, basic minimum uniform:

 

1.Belt, web, black with brass buckle

2.Shirt, cotton blue chambray, long sleeve, WWII pattern

3.Trousers, blue dungaree, WWII Pattern

4.Shoes, black leather, low-quarter oxfords, smooth toe, 5 to 6 pairs of eyelets

5.Hat, sailor (“dixie cup”) white or dark blue

6.Socks, black and/or white

7.T-shirt(s), white

 

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B. All members, basic minimum equipment and accessories:

 

1.Sea bag, white canvas, WWII pattern (no strap)

2.Sheets (2), white cotton

3.Pillow case, white cotton

4.Pillow 

5.Blanket, wool, dark green USMC style, dark grey (ideally US NAVY marked), or White with blue stripes, or lettering, US Navy marked

6.Mess tray, divided compartment style, stainless steel, WWII pattern

7.Mess utensils (fork, spoon and knife), stainless steel, USN pattern/marked US/USN (army mess kit utensils acceptable TEMPORARILY)

8.Mess cup, white milk glass or china, either handleless or with simple “C' handle

9.Towel, white, approx. 30” X 15” to 31” X 17”

10.Wash cloth, white

11, Bluejacket's manual, either 1940, 1943, or 1944 editions (the 1943 or 1944 editions are most  highly recommended)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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II. Advanced Full Uniform Guidelines, Enlisted

Members wishing to participate at an advanced level with a full set of uniform and gear for impressions as seamen and petty officers should acquire the following:

 

A. Minimum seamen and petty officers uniform elements required for participation at an advanced level

 

1.Neckerchief, black

2.Jumper, undress, white cotton, with appropriate insignia, WWII style

3.Trousers, undress, white WWII style

4.Belt, web, white

5.Socks, white

6.Peacoat, blue wool WWII-style (10 buttons preferred, 8 accepted)

7.Ribbon bars, WWII-wartime appropriate, as approved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Additional equipment and uniform elements for seamen/petty officers, not required but recommended for advanced impression

 

1.Jersey or sweater vest, dark blue knitted wool

2.Cap, watch, dark blue knitted wool

3.Leggings, khaki canvas and/or white for use with undress whites

4.Trousers, blue wool, for use with both dress & undress blues

5.Jumper, dress, blue wool, with appropriate insignia

6.Jumper, undress, blue wool, with appropriate insignia

7.Cap, “crackerjack” style, blue wool, with "U.S. Navy" ribbon

8.Jacket, blue denim, “shawl collar“ style

 

 

III. All Members, Additional Uniform and Gear for advanced impressions

All members, regardless of rank or rating, should work on acquiring the following additional “recommended” and “suggested” optional gear to complete advanced impressions

 

A. All members, recommended optional gear/uniform parts for advanced impression

 

1.Helmet, M-1, with WWII pattern liner and chinstraps, painted gray or OD

2.ID discs, two-hole oval USN/USMC WWII pattern

3.Wristwatch, period style

4.Manuals for specialities you have particular interest in such as damage control, radar operator, gunner's mate, seamanship, medical, etc. (keep in mind many of these are available in online versions for free) 

5.Tools or specialist equipment appropriate for any specialty rating impressions member wishes to represent

6.Jacket, winter, N-1 or other WWII deck jacket

7.Shaving/toiletries kit and Sewing kit

 

B. All members, suggested optional gear/uniform parts for advanced impression

 

1.Life preserver, one of the multiple WWII patterns, which may be blue/gray kapok Style 2 “shawl collar” pattern vest; gray inflatable “Mae West” pattern vest; M1926 life belt; or simplified USN khaki inflatable life belt

2.Flashlight, either period USN marked, bakelite or metal period-appropriate style (such as MSA permissible), or black plastic “Bright Star” angle-head style

3.Field jacket, M41, navy version (USN stamped on left breast, no epaulets)

4.Mattress cover, white cotton 

5.Clasp knife, “rigging” style with marlinspike, with brass or steel traditional-style trigger hook to hang from belt loop

6. Sheath knife such as the USN MkI or MkII style with leather sheath or USN-issue MkII gray plastic scabbard

7. “liberty” cuffs for dress blues jumper

8. MkIII or MkIV Navy gas mask with bag