United Kingdom

It is believed that some of the very first camouflage uniforms were developed and worn by British soldiers in the early part of the 20th century. In fact, the earliest type of camouflage uniform, called a "Ghillie" suit (from the Gaelic word gille for servant), had appeared during the 17th century for use by British gamekeepers or poachers hunting deer in the Scottish highlands. It was the Lovat Scouts, a Scottish Regiment of the British Army, that first designed functional "Ghillie" suits, worn by sharpshooters during the Boer War (1899-1902). This same regiment revived the uniforms during the First World War, using them as specialized uniforms for snipers. Such hand-made uniforms were also known as "Yowie suits" (particularly by Australians). In 1917, the Symien sniper suit was introduced, following typical "ghillie" designs, and worn by British troops in reconnaissance and sniper roles. This category of uniform typically utilizes loose strips of multi-colored cloth, twine or burlap attached to a canvas boiler suit, loose hooded jacket & trousers, or netting, and designed to appear as foliage.

Britain also experimented with handpainted camouflage designs on canvas tents during the First World War, incorporating brushstrokes or streaks in brown on khaki background. This is likely the first use of the brushstroke technique that would be revived during the Second World War and create an entire family of camouflage patterns. Personal capes and uniforms (primarily intended for snipers and observers) were also fabricated during the war, hand-painted using blotch, spot and stripe patterns on various canvas designs. These were probably influenced by French designs.

British Camouflage Patterns

• 1942 Windproof pattern. A brushstroke pattern used during WW2 and until the 1970s. Mostly pants in this pattern is encountered today. Two views of the camouflage pattern is shown below (from the same pair of trousers).

• 1959 Denison Brushstroke pattern. In general service with British Airborne units from 1959 into the 1970s.

• Pattern 60 DPM. The first DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) uniform in use by the British Armed Forces. The cut of the uniform was based on the Pattern 60 plain green uniform, but made in the DPM material.

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• Pattern 68 DPM. Replaced the Pattern 60. The uniform had a number of modifications based on the experience with the Pattern 60.

• Pattern 84 DPM. Lessons learned during the Falklands War led to the introduction of a new uniform - the Pattern 84 DPM.

• Pattern 94. A quite different colouration was used for this pattern.

• Soldier 95 DPM. Introduced around 1995, still used.

Notes

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