"Oversuit - Tank Crew" question

[Chuck Anderson]

Does anybody know how big the pixie suits went? Mine is a size 3 (5'7 to 5'8 tall, 36" to 38" breast, 32" to 34" waist, and 31" inseam). It's a bit too small (not only around, but a bit too short). I'm wondering if they went much larger?

[Comox Air Force Museum]

The one I have, is size 4 (5'9" to 5'10" tall 38"to 40"breast, 34"to36" waist and 32" inseam) made by Debenhams 1944.
Rob

[tankbarrell]

Mine is a 6, the largest they did and is a good fit. I'm 6' 2", 210 lbs and long legged. I doubt mine would fit so well as intended, i.e. as an 'oversuit' over other clothing but is fine over a t shirt.

[Mike Cecil]

The sizes I have listed for issue in Australia were:
Height Chest Waist Seat
5'3" to 5'4" 32-34 29-30 33-35
5'5 to 5'6 34-36 30-32 35-37
5'7 to 5'8 36-38 32-34 37-39
5'9 to 5'10 38-40 34-36 39-41
5'11-6'0 40-42 36-38 41-43
6'1 to 6'2 42-44 38-40 43-45

I have reason to believe these were the same sizes that were in the UK, so perhaps Canada was the same?

Mike C

Sorry about the spacing: I did space it out to make it clear, but it won't save like that.

[Chuck Anderson]

Thanks! So at least I know that they are out there. I'll bet they're made of unobtainium.

[Mike Cecil]

You are welcome.

Interesting that the official size description does not include a leg-length/inside seam.

Mike C

[tankbarrell]

Not hard to find here in Blighty. Post war ones are more common and small sizes seem to be the norm but they do turn up.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Without making any cultural criticisms, I was told the average Canadian soldier in WWII was a bigger man that his British peer. Perhaps better childhood nutrition and health. I would expect the same might be said for the ANZACs.

Ed Storey organized a ceremonial parade in battledress using clothing on the racks from one program or another at the Canadian War Museum. He has his own uniform, but me and another fellow who were typical Right Marker candidates were struggling to find the largest and tallest tunics and trousers on the rack. Mine had Pay Corps Captain's rank, and my puttees were barely gripping the cuffs.

(Show of hands, how many MLU'ers know how to wrap puttees?)