D-Day Canadian Uniforms

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Queens Own Rifles and 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion uniforms and equipment as worn on D-Day. I thought I'd share in honour of the day.

[chris vickery]

Nice kit! Thanks for sharing

[Ed Storey]

Nice uniforms. What is the story on the Airborne BD Trousers, are they original?

[Ed Storey]

BSA GS Mk V and Folding Bicycles were an indispensable mode of transportation within 3rd Canadian Division with over 1000 Folding Bicycles landing on JUNO Beach. Here are a couple of photographs of my Son posing with my restored BSA Folding Bicycle.

[John P]

Nice uniforms

[Jordan Baker]

Looks great.

It’s hard to believe these guys were all kitted out like your mannequin.

[Rick van Leest]

Hi Bruce,

Nice uniforms. Any chance to send some pics of the QOR BD? Is he wearing invasion boots?

Rick.

[Robert Bergeron]

Very , very nice Bruce, Jordan and Ed.

Ed , tell your son that if the Sgt Major catches him with his hands in his pockets like that dire consequences might happen... Ask me how I know.

[Ed Storey]

Yeah it drove me crazy when I was in, and back in the late 1970s we used to call having your hands stuffed in your pockets wearing 'American Army Gloves'. I had him do it for the photo as Canada's wartime volunteer citizen army wasn't very formal in the field and I have quite a few photos of soldiers lounging about with their hands jammed in their pockets.

I cringe when I see how berets are currently worn in the CF and it seems that DND has gone full-circle in wearing the beret anyway but the prescribed dress regulation method. The SWW Canadian Army was no better as many liked to wear their berets at jaunty angles as per this reconstruction photograph.