British 1968 Pattern Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) Clothing

British ECW Clothing

Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) Clothing

Overview Items

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Scotts Guards 1982

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Nomenclature

MAN'S COLD WEATHER PARKA (1968) / (1984)

Liner Extreme Cold Weather Jacket 
Liner Extreme Cold Weather Trousers
Liner Combat Smock / Sleeveless

History

Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) was developed to augment the 1968 pattern No8 Dress for those serving in Northern Europe . A DPM Parka NSN : 2408-98-121-8887 , using the same materials and a similar design as the 1968 pattern Smoke Combat . It was much longer , almost knee lenght , and was used during Falklands Campaign , and become known as the "Falklands Parka" instead of it's correct designation "Parka Man's (Cold Weather) 1968" .Features include: wired hood with integral quilted lining , drawstring neck and waist , attachments for rank slides on either shoulder , four bellow pockets in front , parachute flap to stop the parka riding up during strenuous activates , heavy duty duble zip and removable liner 

In 1984 the design of the parka was changed , velcro adjusters at the cuff and larger buttons .This was designed "Parka Man's (Cold weather) 1984

For the Royal Marines, which had a responsibility for NATO's northern flank, a Smock, Windproof, Arctic and Trousers, Windproof, Arctic were introduced circa 1972. These were made in a lightweight, but wind-proof, DPM fabric and could be worn over quilted jacket and trousers in extreme cold conditions. The design of both smock and trousers differ radically from both the standard and para designs. The smock is long and loose-fitting, and incorporates a voluminous wired-rim hood, while the trousers have zips in the lower leg to allow them to be put on over boots.

 

In Conjunction with the Parka , two separate quilted liners were issued , with or without sleeves Quilted trousers were also issued as a supplemental lining for the "1968 Pattern Trousers Combat "

Also to supplement the ECW DPM Hat was issued . The 1968 Pattern hat was quilt lined had faux fur ear flaps that could be worn up or down , depending on temperature requirements .The later 1984 pattern issue hat was faux fur lined. In addition downfilled ECW DPM Mitts (Mittens Arctic MK1) were issued as liner , with single skin trigger fingers , and a waterproof single skin outer. In 1984 the MK2 was issued , the only differerence being that the filing in the "Inners" was syntetic. In the early 1990s MK3 was issued . The inner is faux fur lined , the palm was reinforced with anti-slip material .the outer is "Goretex"

Cold Weather Hat Cap (Size Large) / 8415-99-132-3736

Soldiers often replace the "Shirt KF" and later the "Shirt-GS" with the Norvegian Army Shirt (Norgie) which was 100% cotton tpwelling , and much warmer . It was olive green with a zipped polo neck and botton cuffs.


Gloves designated "Gloves , Urban Patrol" were issued to troops serving in Northern Ireland and become known as "Northern Ireland Gloves" . They were black leather with a light lining , padded knuckle area and an elasticated cuff at the wrist .

SELECTED ARTWORKS IN THE COLLECTION

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