UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE AIF DURING WW2

U.S. Leggings Cotton Khaki Class 2

U.S. Manufactured Cotton (canvas) Leggings, stamped "Leggings Cotton Khaki Class 2" and used by both the United States Army and Marine Corps troops in nearly all theatres of war. This design was very effective in preventing foreign material (dust/dirt/sticks/rocks etc) from entering the boots of wearer. So much so, that they were favoured by Australian troops in the jungle campaigns and subsequently are included in this inventory. Many photographs exist of 16th Brigade & 25th Brigade diggers on the Kokoda Track and at the Beach Heads, wearing these type of leggings. In fact the British Pattern 37 gaiter (which was quite short) were deemed virtually useless in the tropical conditions and diggers procured these U.S. Leggings whenever they became available. They can be found in various shades of khaki, depending on the manufacturer of which there was a few. The leggings were secured by wrapping them around the lower leg, so that the trousers were tucked inside the legging and the lace portion was to the outside. The bottom of the legging entirely covered the mouth of the boots, to prevent dirt from entering the footwear. A strap passed underneath the archway of the foot and was secured by a buckle. The leggings were then 'laced up' using a cord which passed through the eyelets and posts. This photo courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection.