DPM Parachute Smock
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The 'DPM Parachute Smock', known simply as the Para Smock, was the replacement for the Denison Smock used by the British Army's Parachute Regiment, and others including Canada who had a similar pattern. While the design was little different from the Denison Smock, it was made from a lighter-weight cloth, printed in the now-standard Disruptive Pattern (DP). The cloth, and often the camouflage pattern itself, is referred to as DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material).
The Parachute smock differs from the three most recent standard patterns of combat jacket, all made from DPM, and is like its Denison predecessor, in having no flap to button or velcro over the full length zipper, in having hip and breast pockets, hem adjustors, and diaper flap (fastened under the crotch to stop the smock riding up while parachuting) fastened by snaps (though smaller than the Denison's), having knitted wool cuffs, and in being cut more loosely than the combat jackets. It lacks the flannel lining on the inside of the collar that the Denison had, and is like the standard combat jackets in adding a first field dressing pouch on one sleeve (the right), and pen pockets on the other, both closed by buttoned flaps. Also, like the 68 Pattern Combat Jacket, it is fitted with three buttons around the outside of the collar. A hood can be attached with these, which is green on the inside, and DP on the outside (one is visible in the photograph shown). The Parachute Smock is standard issue for the Parachute Regiment, and other airborne units (though not of the Special Air Service Regiment.
The Para smock worn by the Canadian Airborne Regiment was issued in 1975 (until regiment disbanded in 1995) was very similar to the British issue but had more features, being made from SAS Smock type material, had narrower breast pockets, 'Lift The Dot' snaps, internal hood, and a back stash pocket which the whole smock can be folded into a 'stash bag'. These smocks can still be worn in the British forces since it is almost identical and Canada being part of the British Commonwealth.
[edit] See also
- Denison Smock Predecessor of the DPM Para Smock.
- Smock Windproof DPM
- Canadian Para Smock Very similar to British Issue, Also replaced Dennison Smock.
- British Army Uniform
