January i6, 1915 
LAND AND WATER 
CHOOSING KIT 
Practical Hints 
{Cmtiniud jrom page 207) 
THESE articles are written from practical experi- 
ence of military matters, with a view to keeping 
our readers in touch with the variousrequirements 
of active service. Changes of climate and the peculiar 
conditions under which the present campaign is being 
waged render different items of equipment advisable at 
different times, and we are in touch with officers at the 
front and others from whom the actual requirements of 
officers and men can be ascertained. The articles are 
not intended to advertise any particular firm or firms. 
Overalls 
A man who thought that these columns were intended 
to advertise articles, instead of advertising ideas and getting 
at the best of everything from a practical point of view, 
suggested the practicability of " trench overalls," made 
of waterproof materisd and designed to slip over the trousers 
and cover the wearer in up to the waist. The waterproofing 
is good,. and the article fulfils its purpose, except that since it 
buckles over the boots just as spats are buckled, and 
consequently lets water in round the ankles, it defeats its 
ends to a very great extent. For it is little use that a man 
should waterproof himself up to the waist if he means to 
leave a leaky spot round his ankles, and for my part I would 
infinitely sooner be fitted with the " waders " mentioned in 
these columns recently than with this overall outfit. The 
" waders " will at least keep the wearer thoroughly dry — that 
is, the lowest three feet of him — as long as they wear, which 
cannot be said of the overalls. These latter might keep 
clothing clean, but that is not of much consequence in the 
trenches. 
Motor Cycling Comfort 
The trouble in this case of the overalls arose out of the 
fact that they were never intended for trench use, and the 
term " trench overalls " in connection with them is a 
misnomer. Such overalls are meant for motor cychsts, who 
have been using them for years now, and who will find them 
of real value on the muddy roads of France and Belgium. 
Not the ordinary and rather flimsy overalls that are worn by 
motor-cycling tourists, but good, stout articles, windproof as 
well as rainproof, and able to keep a man warm as well as 
dry. For this purpose they can be thoroughly recommended, 
but for trench wear — no, most decidedly. 
A Useful Sock 
Many men suffer from cold feet — in the literal sense of 
the words — and for these I recommend a sock made after the 
fashion of the heel-less slipper, with a sole and covering for 
the toes, to be worn inside the ordinary sock. For cold feet 
come, not from having the top of the foot insufficiently 
protected, but from the sole being in contact with something 
which does not give sufficient warmth. A pair of these inner 
socks supphes the warmth at exactly the right place, made as 
they are of camel hair and wool. They are easily washable, 
and practically solve the problem of cold feet — in the Uteral 
and material sense. 
The Passing of the Sword 
It was an infantry officer who spoke about the passing of 
the sword, and, having had four months' experience of actual 
war work and come home on leave, he was of those who 
ought to know. He stated that for his own part he would 
rather have a loaded stick than a sword for close hand-to- 
hand fighting, clearing houses in street fighting, such as 
happens at times, and the sort of work in which infantry 
officers are likely to take part. The best sort of loaded stick 
is a leather-covered one — not pigSkin for preference, but the 
kind of covering known as " plaited kangaroo hide," which 
may be either kangaroo or horse skin, but certainly does not 
soak up wet in the way that makes pigskin disagreeable. 
Being plaited, too, it is devoid of the stitches which come 
undone and make pigskin a nuisance. This idea of plaited 
hide is also being adopted as a covering for the canes which 
officers carry at home, and it makes a thoroughly serviceable 
and workmanlike-looking covering. 
ICoHtmutd OH pat* 2\S) 
WINTER SALE 
Military Tailoring 
and Camp Equipment 
at reduced prices. 
All our stock of ready-to-wear 
Uniforms, Great Coats, British 
Warms (lined fleece and fur). 
Belts, Swords, Haversacks, 
Water Bottles, Underwear, Shirts 
and Caps at reduced prices. 
;; LIST POST FREE. :: 
^-^-^ The f.m»n Hall _—— " 
Regent Street. London 
THE NEW SAM BROWNE BELT 
Covered Khaki Canvas. Price 63/- 
MILITARY 
WATERVROOF 
Lined Fleece — guaranteed waterproof 
Price - - £5 5 
WIRE NIPPERS 
Insulated Handles. Complete in Leather Case. 
12/6 and 15/6 
. . Extra Large and Strong . . 
HAVERSACKS 
made from an Officer's design. 
Price - - 12/6 
LOADED STICKS 
Strong Canes — weighted Knobs. 
Knob covered pigskin, 12/6 
Covered all over pigskin, 15/- 
Send for Full List of 
. . War Equipment. . . 
SWAINE <5 ADENEY 
By appointinent to H.M. The King 
185 PICCADILLY, W. 
THOMAS & SONS' 
NEW PUTTEE 
Covers the leg in three turnt. 
Made in waterproof cloth. 
Takes about quarter the time to wind and unwind 
that ao ordinary puttee does. Price 8/6 pair 
Another Novelty is a pair of chamois leather 
" shorts " opening at the back ; very warm and 
convenient for ihe trenches. Price 25/- 
THOMAS & SONS 
32 
Military Tailors and 
Breeche s Makers 
BROOK STREET, W. 
217 
