October 24, 19 14 
LA ND AND WATER 
CHOOSING KIT 
Practical Hints 
{Continued from pagf 39) 
Underclothing 
LAST week 1 started to talk about undercloth- 
ing and then my allotted space ran out. This 
matter of cheapness is just as important with 
regard to underclothing as riding breeches. 
To each man his own idea with regard to the 
kind and quality of underclothing taken, but my own experi- 
ence in this matter is that the lightest possible is the best. 
Weight does not always mean warmth ; the best blankets 
are of very light weight in comparison with cheap ones, and 
so, with regard to quality, weight is no criterion in under- 
clothing. Here again the point to be observed is fit, for one 
may turn out with perfectly fitting riding breeches, and yet 
if the pants under them fit so loosely as to make folds, chafes 
and discomfort will result. Underclothing needs just as 
much care in fitting as outer wear, and ready-made stuff 
should be avoided if possible, especially b)' the mounted man. 
Pure wool, and as thin in texture as possible, according to 
the temperament and needs of the wearer, are safe guides in 
choosing the stamp of material to be used, and this should be 
made up to fit in just the way that outer clothing is made up. 
Cost and Quality 
These may seem like counsels of perfection, but they are 
worth heeding when active service is contemplated. Extra 
expense will be involved, of course, but it must always be 
borne in mind that life itself may depend on the fit and 
comfort of clothing. On the big retreat to the position of 
the Marne more than one man was left behind and taken 
prisoner, or perhaps killed, just because of a blister on the 
heel caused by a badly fitting boot. There is a world of 
warning in this simple fact, which applies not only to foot- 
wear but to the whole outfit. When life itself is in question 
no expense is too great, and the man turning out to risk his 
life should spare no expense in fitting himself for all the tasks 
that may be his to accomplish. The great merit of the 
German system of preparation for this campaign is that it 
includes not only preparation for what will happen but for 
what may possibly happen — this with regard to the German 
army as a whole, and for our part we should see that every 
man of the Army that goes out is fitted in like fashion — 
prepared for possibilities as well as probabilities. If expense 
is a thing to be considered the consideration should be 
ignored when clothing has to be obtained, though it may be 
given a look in when equipment is under consideration. Yet 
here again the man who buys the best is at an advantage 
over the man who skimps his purchases. 
Waterproof Warmth 
Among items worthy of considisration for inclusion 
among the winter kit is a sleeved vest made of waterproof 
oiled silk, with fleecy lining. The garment weighs just 
20 oz. and fits under the military tunic, being long enough to 
afford protection as low as the tunic falls. The idea of this 
garment is admirable, for it affords both warmth and pro- 
tection from wet ; no amount of rain can penetrate through. 
A disadvantage, however, lies in the short life such a garment 
must necessarily have under active service conditions. 
Personally, I should think it will wear well for three months, 
and then a new one will be required. On the other hand, 
so light and small-folding is the thing that it can almost be 
put in the pocket, and thus replacement is not such a great 
difficulty. Ventilation is secured by slits under the arms 
and eyelet holes at the waist — the latter if desired — and 
altogether the oiled silk vest is an admirable addition to 
field kit, fulfilling as it does all requirements of lightness 
and warmth. 
Leather Wear 
For those who require something stouter and likely to 
wear as long as required a chrome leather vest is to be 
recommended. Since leather is not so absolutely non- 
conducting as rubber the problem of ventilation does not 
enter into a consideration of this style of garment, which is 
admirable as regards warmth. The chief drawback is that, 
in case of persistent rains, leather is never absolutely water- 
proof, and a vest fitting under the tunic will hold a good deal 
of water and will get heavy without actually wetting the 
wearer. It has a damp and uncomfortable feel at these 
times, and on the whole I prefer the oiled silk idea. 
The Drawback of Oiled Silk 
Vet another item displayed is the oiled silk ground 
sheet, but this se ins to sacrifice absolute efficiency to 
(Conlinutd on pagt it) 
KHAKI SHIRTS 
Regulation Pattern for Officers from 
7/11 .o 12/6 each 
Khaki Handkerchiefs 
A nice soft Handkerchief 3/^ P^*^ dozen. 
A cheaper quality 1/11^ per dozen. 
KHAKI COLLARS 
1/- 
ch. 
w 
E also have Flannel Shirts, Cholera Belts, Mufflers, 
Sleeping Helmets, Woollen Gloves, and Mittens, at 
moderate prices. Suitable for the men. 
WRITE FOR PRICE LIST. 
Robinson ^Cleaven 
156 Regent St., LONDON - and - BELFAST 
SERVICE KITS 
— IN 48 HOURS. — 
Every detail guaranteed correct, in 
accordance with War Office regulations. 
Patterns and Estimate post free. 
A large number of half-finished Service 
Jackets always on hand, which can be 
completed in eight hours. 
WEST & SON, Ltd 
Military and Sporting Tailors, 
151 NEW BOND STREET, W. 
(Oppotite Conduit Street) 
'Phone— Gerrard 8161. 
THE NEW 
SILK-SKIN WAISTCOAT 
for Officers' wear. 
Impervious to wet or searching winds. 
The special slip finish allows the 
service tunic to be worn comfortably 
over the waistcoat. f^^V/^S 
Weight 2o oz. Price «^ C /O 
EVERT MTICLE OF MILITARY EQUIPMEIIT 
DUNHILLS Ltd. 
2 Conduit Street, W. 
47 
