December 12, 19 14 
LAND AND WATER 
CHOOSING KIT 
{Continued from page 147) 
a clumsy way of overcoming a decided drawback, but in 
reality it is not ; the canvas-covered set of belts is as light, 
flexible, and generally as handy as the regulation leather 
article, and so far it forms the only solution to this grave 
problem. Staining the leather to match the khaki does not 
quite achieve the same result, for there is a look about 
leather which is impossible to eradicate : it shines at odd 
times, and, on the whole, it gives its wearer away, no matter 
how mucli he may try to disguise it. This canvas covering, 
on the other hand, retains all the strength and use of leather, 
and admits of invisibility. 
A "Trench Coat" 
The trouble with sheepskin, as a rule, is that it gets 
abominably dirty in a very short space of time ; otherwise 
it makes an almost perfect winter garment, as long as the 
wet is kept out. I have seen a " trench coat," so called 
from the fact that it is specially designed for men who need 
extra warmth in exposed positions which do not admit of 
obtaining warmth by means of exercise. First of all, there 
is the sheepskin lining next to the wearer ; outside this is an 
interlining of oiled silk, and outside is a rainproofed coat 
which protects the oiled silk and the wearer. The coat is 
heavy, of course, but then its weight is of little consequence 
to the man stuck in the trenches in winter, who wants warmth 
at all costs. The lining of oiled silk and the rainproof outer 
layer keep the sheepskin clean, and with a pair of knee 
protectors this coat will keep the wearer warm and dry in 
the very worst weather that winter can visit on the trenches. 
About Sheepskin Fabrics 
Talking about sheepskin reminds me of the very light 
and loosely-woven fleece coats that were worn two or three 
years ago. Their weight might be calculated in ounces, 
and it seemed that if the materials were more closely woven 
they would be ideal for campaigning in winter. The closely- 
woven fabric has made its appearance as a " sheepskin 
fleece," very light in colour — but not lighter than many 
overcoats taken out to France by our men — very warm, and 
absolutely featherweight. For trench work the light colour 
is a matter of small consequence, since mud and the usual 
incidents of trench life will speedily reduce all outer garments 
to the same colour, and, with an efficient waterproof or rain- 
proof coat for wet weather, this fleece coat is an admirable 
accessory to a kit. 
The Size of a Kit 
It may be imagined that, from the number of articles 
mentioned from time to time in these articles, I have over- 
looked the problem of keeping a kit down to manageable 
size, but this is not so. The factors of weight and portability 
are first considerations in selecting kit, and thus I have 
always borne in mind the lightest and most easily packed 
and carried goods. If the selection covers a wide range, 
let it be borne in mind that the requirements of any two 
men will vary, and the different arms of the Service require 
very different kits. It would be of little use to fit out a 
motor dispatch rider with the class of accessories to his 
equipment that would serve the purpose of an infantry 
officer, and again a mounted man requires a far different 
kit from the motorist, while the artilleryman differs in his 
wants from the preceding three. Individuals, too, have 
their little peculiarities in the choice of equipment, and it is 
to fill the requirements of the individual that these notes 
are compiled. 
The Faddist 
One class there is that is a worry to the kit and equipment 
makers, and that the class which is never satisfied with a 
standard pattern. Not that the standard pattern cannot be 
{Continued on page 151) 
,J ^W TA.CON. 
SHIRTMAKER 
, 277 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON-- 
J. W. TACON. 
Ttltpkone : Central t83. 
Khak I 
Shirts 
nude to measure on the premises in 
^ 2 HOURS 
Sand tO'day for patterns and prices. 
8p:^i.7i.t 277 High Holborn, LONDON. 
Cablei and Telegrams ■ " Sktrtmmter, iMtdom." 
Shirt 
(( 
Viyell 
99 
a 
Tcadt Mirk)- 
for SHIRTS, etc. 
w 
HEN ordering venter garments or Service 
kit remember that the material is 
a matter of great importance to your 
health. Many leading sportsmen and the 
majority of officers of the British Army 
wear " Viyella," and will have nothing else 
because, since it absorbs and radiates away 
the moisture of the body, it is more hygienic 
and chill-preventing than non-absorbent 
ordinary flannel or chilly linen. Then it is 
exceedingly refined in appearance, soft, 
light and warm, very durable, and does 
not shrink. Made in light, medium, and 
heavy weight of a variety of patterns, 
including regulation khakis, greys, etc., for 
Service wear. "Viyella" is All-British. 
Shirts of "Viyella" can be obtained 
ready to wear or made to measure. 
Ask your Outfitter to show you patterns 
// any difficulty is experienced in obtaining, pleate write for 
patterns of the material and address of nearest retailer, to: 
Wm. HoUins & Co.. Ltd (wholesal* only), j6t ViyelU House, Newgate St.. London, E.G. 
^IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII| 
I SILK-8KIN WAISTCOAT I 
= For Officers at the Front = 
E IMPERVIOUS 
= Y towetorsearch- 
E ing winds. The 
E special slip finish 
E allows the Service 
E tunic to be worn 
E comfortably over 
E the waistcoat. 
E Weight 20 oz. 
I Price - 30/- 
E Postage to the front 1 /- extra 
Write lor our List of Christ- 
mas Comforts for Officers in 
the Trenches. 
Ju/MHi 
Dunhills 
2, CONDUIT STREET, W. 
MANCHESTER : 
88, Cross Street. 
GLASGOW : 
72, St. Vincent Street. 
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'49 
