1950 & 1960 Pattern

During the 1950s and 1960s, the British Army underwent significant changes in its uniform and equipment, reflecting the post-World War II military environment and the shifting needs of a modernizing army. This period saw the introduction of new camouflage patterns, uniforms, and equipment designed to meet the challenges of various theaters of operation, from the Cold War in Europe to decolonization conflicts in Asia and Africa.

1950 Pattern Combat Dress

In the early 1950s, the British Army introduced the 1950 Pattern Combat Dress to replace the wartime battledress and older service dress uniforms. This new uniform aimed to provide greater comfort, durability, and practicality for soldiers.

  1. Design and Features:
    • Jacket: The 1950 Pattern jacket was longer than the earlier battledress blouse, featuring large pockets for increased storage capacity. It was made from a heavier cotton material suitable for temperate climates.
    • Trousers: The trousers were designed with reinforced knees and seat for durability, and included large cargo pockets for carrying additional gear.
    • Material: The uniform was made from a blend of cotton and wool, providing a balance of comfort and robustness.
  2. Usage:
    • The 1950 Pattern Combat Dress was primarily issued for use in temperate climates and saw extensive use during the Korean War (1950-1953) and other early Cold War deployments.

1960 Pattern Combat Dress

By the early 1960s, it became clear that the 1950 Pattern needed improvements. This led to the development and introduction of the 1960 Pattern Combat Dress, which incorporated feedback from soldiers and technological advancements in fabric and uniform design.

  1. Design and Features:
    • Jacket: The 1960 Pattern jacket featured an even longer cut than its predecessor, with a more fitted waist for a better silhouette. It included four large front pockets with buttoned flaps and a built-in hood that could be rolled into the collar.
    • Trousers: The trousers retained the large cargo pockets and reinforced areas but were made from lighter, more durable fabric.
    • Material: A key innovation was the use of windproof cotton sateen, which provided better protection against the elements.
  2. Camouflage:
    • Initially, the 1960 Pattern was produced in plain olive drab, suitable for temperate climates. However, the need for effective camouflage in varied environments led to the introduction of DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) camouflage in the late 1960s.

Introduction of DPM Camouflage

In the late 1960s, the British Army began to adopt Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) camouflage, which marked a significant shift in military uniform design. The DPM pattern aimed to provide effective concealment in a variety of environments, from European woodlands to the jungles of Southeast Asia.

  1. Early DPM Designs:
    • 1966 Pattern: This was one of the first DPM designs, introduced in the mid-1960s. It featured a four-color scheme with shades of green, brown, and black, designed to break up the soldier’s outline in woodland environments.
    • 1968 Pattern: Further refinements were made to the pattern, improving its effectiveness and standardizing its use across various units.
  2. Features of DPM:
    • Jacket and Trousers: The DPM uniforms retained the practical design features of the earlier combat dresses but incorporated the disruptive camouflage pattern. The jacket had large pockets, a hood, and reinforced areas, while the trousers included cargo pockets and reinforced knees and seat.
    • Material: The use of windproof and durable cotton materials continued, ensuring the uniforms were both functional and hard-wearing.

Operational Use and Deployments

During the 1950s and 1960s, British soldiers wearing these uniforms and camouflage patterns were deployed in numerous conflicts and operational environments:

  1. Korean War (1950-1953): The 1950 Pattern Combat Dress was widely used, providing soldiers with the necessary durability and comfort for the harsh Korean climate.
  2. Malayan Emergency (1948-1960): British forces operating in the dense jungles of Malaya initially used plain uniforms but later transitioned to the DPM pattern for better concealment.
  3. Suez Crisis (1956): The 1950 Pattern Combat Dress was also used during the Anglo-French intervention in Egypt.
  4. Aden Emergency (1963-1967): The 1960 Pattern Combat Dress and early DPM patterns were used in the challenging conditions of the Arabian Peninsula.
  5. Borneo Confrontation (1962-1966): The introduction of DPM camouflage proved crucial in the jungle warfare conditions of Borneo.

Legacy and Impact

The uniforms and camouflage patterns developed in the 1950s and 1960s set the stage for further advancements in military clothing. The introduction of DPM was particularly influential, becoming a standard for British forces and influencing camouflage design worldwide. These patterns provided the foundation for subsequent developments, including the adoption of more versatile and advanced camouflage patterns like the Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) in the 21st century.

Conclusion

The evolution of British Army uniforms and camouflage patterns in the 1950s and 1960s reflects the broader trends in military innovation and adaptation to changing operational environments. From the introduction of the practical 1950 Pattern Combat Dress to the development of DPM camouflage, these changes significantly enhanced the effectiveness and capability of British soldiers in diverse and challenging theaters of operation.