Unhappy choice

**Benning Boy** · 23rd July 16, 12:21 AM

I don't know how things were in Steve's Marine Corp back in the day, but in the Army informed Grunts dispensed with undies. Go 30 days without a shower, or spend days waist deep in swamps and you'll understand why. I was fortunate enough in Basic Combat Training to have as a Drill Sergeant a man who had served entirely through WW2, Korea, Dominican Republic, and two tours in Viet Nam. He taught us a lot that wasn't in the book. One of his tips was get rid of the underwear at first chance. I even went without socks. Much of his reasoning makes sense in civilian life, and there's nothing titillating about. My first day in the oilfield it was 106 degrees and I was soaked in salt water. After that I "traveled light" until winter. Kilting regimental is more comfortable than not, just as kilting is more comfortable than wearing jeans. To everything there is a season, or something like that.

**neloon** · 23rd July 16, 02:10 AM

The original reason for dispensing with nether garments was to minimise laundry - trying to dry clothes round the camp fire on a cold winter's night was no fun. These difficulties did not apply for officers (who had tartan undertrews and more sophisticated laundry facilities) or for private soldiers when not on active service.

Incidentally, in relation to Steve's comment about Canadian practice, I came across this Hudsons Bay Company advertisement in the Winnipeg Free Press of 30th November 1919
"MEN'S GREY RIBBED WOOL KILT DRAWERS for soldiers' wear. Pure and of good weight. Formerly 51.50."

(Maybe this thread should really be in the new Military Kilt Forum?)

Alan

**Father Bill** · 23rd July 16, 05:18 AM

Originally Posted by neloon

(Maybe this thread should really be in the new Military Kilt Forum?)

Alan

It's your thread, Alan. Shall we move it for you?

**neloon** · 23rd July 16, 06:26 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

It's your thread, Alan. Shall we move it for you?

Yes, I guess so, Bill.
Thank you.
Alan

**Father Bill** · 23rd July 16, 06:53 AM

Moving to the new "Military History & Heritage Subforum" - first one! I'll leave a five-day re-direct for those who are looking for it.

**Jimmy the Celt** · 23rd July 16, 09:37 AM

I hate to beat a dead horse as I know this is something that has been discussed time and time again here, but I was not active here for close to a decade. I found another interesting advertisement in an old thread (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...rs-ebay-75780/) reading:

KILT DRAWERS. If worn, those made from tartan are most suitable for day time. (emphasis added).

Now it could be that, as mentioned previously, they were dispensed with for reasons of convenience (difficulty in laundering, lice, etc.) or perhaps it was optional or entirely at the discretion of the CO of any given unit. I guess it really does not matter and is an academic matter at this point.

**neloon** · 23rd July 16, 11:52 AM

Note that that was a 1930s civilian catalogue and we are now in the Military History and Heritage Subforum.
As you say, the matter has been well covered, most recently in
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...0s-rare-89603/
(The Corbis images link is now
http://www.gettyimages.de/pictures/b...hoto-515999180
)
Alan