The British Infantryman was the back bone of the Army in the second world war with over 3.5 million men serving to protect there country. Tommy Atkins portrays just one of these sections to let the public see what the average man would have to do and wear when in the field of combat.

British infantry squads were made up of 10 men organized around the Bren light machinegun, and consisted of a machinegun group, formed by the second-in-command, machine gunner and loader, and a rifle group made up of 6 riflemen. The squad leader commanded both groups. The infantry uniform was marked by the distinctively shaped Mark II helmet, while the so-called Battledress of short wool jacket, leggings and boots was worn by all branches of the army. A denim version of the same battledress was worn in summer months, while leather jerkins were used in winter.

Here you will see a small collection of pictures and descriptions of the kit the soldier wore and used, if you would like to know more feel free to come to one of our shows and ask us a few questions, or even try the kit on for yourself! ( You will not be required to fight the enemy but if you get called up at least you will be prepared)

For more information on each section just click on the picture you would like to know more about.

No soldier was complete without his rifle.

The british infabtry used the Lee Enfield No4 Mk1 bolt action rifle. This rifle used the .303 calibre ammunition and was capable of holding up to 10 rounds of ammunition in its magazine. This ammunition was also used by the Bren Gun team and meant that all ammo was interchangeable.

This Rifle started production in 1941 and was made in the UK as well as Canada and America