WWII 1941-42 Philippine Scout Uniform Update IV

Dear God, this is never ending, isn't it? I've been tweaking and perfecting this kit, found a few good reliable sources for information on early war uniforms and equipment and made a few adjustments.

I've gone done the greater details rabbit hole and by embracing eBay I've found new and improved ways to make money disappear.

Between a few official Army sources such as the Center of Military History, the 1941 Soldier's Handbook, some bits I learned from Pinoyhistory boards and studying pictures, I've overhauled the kit to be more accurate. Attention to detail in making an early War uniform is very, very frustrating.

To summarize, at the opening of World War II the US Army was generally equipped to retake the trenches of France. Despite technological advances as well as improved equipment designs, the Army wasn't funded to produce new equipment. It had 300,000 men and was slightly better than half the size of the Swiss army in 1940. By comparison, it had enough leftover supplies from WWI to field an army of millions, and with the Depression on, why waste money on what you don't need? The Army did rapidly expand between 1940-41, but this meant the old equipment was issued first as the new stuff began rolling off the assembly lines. (An odd note- the Army was approved to produce 900,000 more M1917 helmets the same year they were allowed to begin production on the M1 helmet. I'm sure there's a logical reason behind it. Or not.)

The majority of kit minutiae is pure WWI as is the entire haversack, cartridge belt and accoutrements set, minus the M1936 pistol belt. Surprisingly, WWI gear is not sexy so it's really cheap on eBay. I guess if it's not 101st or 82nd Airborne gear no one cares enough to jack up the price.

A few things you'll notice went away, the little P-38 can opener, dog tags and red Carlisle Bandage. Despite the name, P-38s weren't issued until 1942 as were the red first aid kits. I've subbed an original green one (that was a painted over red one), and I've accepted I probably won't find an actual early war Carlisle unless I get lucky. I also got rid of the dog tags, at least until my modifications for a 31st Infantry Regiment uniform is complete. The dog tags I had done up were standard issue in the regular army... except for the Philippine Scouts who still wore round WWI style tags.

A bigger change was the haversack, its been replaced with a real, near century old M1910 haversack because the M1928 didn't enter production until 1940 and the army insisted on using all of its 1910s before issuing the new ones. Going by photos, the Philippines never got the new ones.

You'll also noticed I've got a green 'wool' (actually flannel) shirt because the Army being the Army, decided that in winter troops in the Philippines should wear the winter uniform shirt. Meanwhile, the abstract concept of winter still does not exist in the Philippines, but my little sister there has heard of this "snow" and thinks it would be delightful to see.

The M1911 campaign hat was a standard issue item until around 1941 when it was replaced with the overseas cap, but they can still be seen in training photos from that year. All the illustrations in the 1941 Soldier's Handbook depict troops wearing it. Then again, the book also dedicates 7 pages to the proper way a non-cavalry Soldier can stow his gear on a horse. It was a different time.

I was able to pick up a full mess kit with utensils, canteen and cup off eBay. Original since people don't make reproduction WWI mess kits.

Uniform includes (left to right, top to bottom)
M1911 campaign hat (WWII Impressions)
Type II service shoe (SM Wholesale)
M1910 haversack/M1910 entrenching tool (original haversack, manufactured 1918; WWII impressions shovel)
M1A2 gas mask (original)
M4A1 gas mask bag (Hessen Antiques)

M1937 flannel shirt (At the Front)
M1937 khaki pants (WWII Impressions)
overseas cap (WWII Impressions)
M1917A1 helmet (Praire Flower Leather Co.)
M1910 Mills cartridge belt (original belt, manufactured in 1918; WWII Impressions reproduction M1910 pouches; What Price Glory M1905 scabbard)

M1938 dismounted leggings (What Price Glory via TankFest 2014 tent)
M1918 meat can (original, manufactured in 1918)
M1910 utensils (originals, manufactured 1911-1918)
M1910 utensil covers (reproduction, Man the Line)
M1918 canteen (original, manufactured in 1918)
M1918 canteen cup (original, manufactured in 1918)

M1936 pistol belt (WWII Impressions)
M1917 magazine pouch (original M1917 magazine pouch, manufactured in 1918)
M1916 holster (local shop)
M1910 magazine pouch (WWII Impressions)

belt (WWII Impressions)
collection of Philippine Commonwealth and US currency, Ft. Mills (Corregidor) 1 peso token
Corregidor blood stone
1941 Soldier's Handbook

Carlisle Bandage (original)

All lay atop a reproduction tent half (At the Front)


The idea behind this whole set up is that I can use it as a hands-on teaching tool when talking about Bataan.

In the upper corner is an inflatable 75mm tank round. (Not artillery, but I work with what I have!)

The artillery uniform is a tribute to Sgt. Jose Calugas, the first Soldier to earn the Medal of Honor in World War II. He was an artilleryman, serving as a mess sergeant, in the 88th Field Artillery (PS) during the Battle of Bataan when he saw another battery's 75mm guns go silent because the crew was injured and dead. Not asking for orders, he grabbed some other soldiers and ran 1000 yards over open ground under artillery fire to get it working again. Where it gets muddy is if he fired the gun alone for the rest of the day, or if his impromptu squad stayed with him. The citation says he kept them firing it, other writing about it makes it sound as if after returning it to service he did it himself and the Mt. Samat relief of "Sgt. Calugas firing his Cannon" depict him alone as well, though that may be artistic license.

The pistol belt and haversack is based on some training photos I saw, the Scout anti-tank gunners carried pistols in all of them and one field training image showed them with the haversacks as well.

There is no unit badge on the arm, because though its popular with re-enactors to show they are representing Scouts, historically it wasn't worn on shirt sleeves at that point in the war.

Originally I had wanted to make this a Class B and C uniform. The Class C is merely a stripped down version of the B- no tie, no hat unit badge and no collar devices denoting branch of service. The road block I hit with that was an inability to find the insignia of the 88th Field Artillery (PS) to buy or have made. I have found some devices for the 31st Infantry Regiment.