North Africa and Middle East 1940-43 13th DBLE Uniform and Equipment

Two Legionnaires in North Africa wearing clearly British Uniforms and Equipment, though the Legionnaire in foreground is armed with a MAS 36.

Following their arrival in Britain in June of 1940. The 13th DBLE was outfitted with a primarily British kit. As with the mix-match of earlier and more modern French items, the 13th did continue to use a number of French equipment and uniform attributes. The most prominent was the kepi, though WW1 French leather gear was also still in use. Following their arrival in North Africa in February of 1941, and subsequent advances into Axis held territory, the 13th did replenish itself with French issue items, most notably in Syria where the 13th came into possession of the stocks of the 6th REI. The British kit worn in North Africa was principally Khaki Drill, though wool battledresses, trousers, and coats were also worn. In 1943-44 the 13th was issued with American uniforms and equipment. However, again, some French and British items were still in use.

Lt. Jean Simon of the 13th, wearing a British Khaki Drill shirt and Wolseley Pith Helmet with French insignia, Spring 1941
Captain Paul Arnault of the 13th, With M26 adrian Helmet, British Khaki Drill, Sam Brown Belt and French Holster, 1943

North Africa and Middle East Uniform

Original 13th DBLE Officer Uniform (Wool BD) and Enlisted Khaki Uniform.

British Khaki Drill Aertex Desert Shirt. Two breast pockets, pull over. British Khaki Drill Bush Jackets were also in use, though mostly worn by Officers and some NCOs.

British Khaki Drill Shorts. Khaki Drill trousers also were worn.

British P37 or P40 Wool Battledress. Wool Trousers were also in use.

British P40 Greatcoat, though the French M20 or M38 is also correct.

Kepi Blanc

Beret. Brown Wool

British "Wolseley" Pith Helmets. A number of such helmets were issued to the 13th. In addition, a number of French Model 1931 Pith Helmets were also picked up, though they are remarkably similar to the Wolseley Helmet.

French Model 1926 Adrian Helmet. British Helmets were also in use.

Goggles

Legion Cheche

British Ammo Boots

British Web Leggings

OD Green or Khaki Wool Socks

Equipment

French Issue Leather Equipment, as outlined in the Norway and 1930s Legion Uniform webpages, was still used and mixed with the British issue items.

British P37 Web Belt

British P37 Ammo Pouches

British P37 Small or Large Pack

British P37 Canteen and Carrier

British P37 E-tool with Cover

British P37 Enfield Frog. Lebel Rifles were still in use, though minimally, and the matching leather French frog would have been worn to hold the bayonet.

* If Applicable, British P37 Web Holster

Libya 1942. A Legionnaire of the 3rd Battalion of the 13th DBLE, most likely a recent convert from the Vichy 6th REI, wears British Khaki Drill, British Leggings, French Kepi Blanc, and French Leather Gear with Model 1905/14 Ammo Pouches.
Another view of the 13th in Libya 1942. These two legionnaires are in full British Wool Battledress with tunic and trousers as well as British P37 Webgear, leggings and French Kepi Blanc.
13th DBLE North Africa Kit for a Sergent Chef. Uncovered NCO FFL Kepi, Beret, British Battledress with Legion Rank and Insignia, P37 Web gear, British Boots, Leggings, Khaki Drill Shorts with No.1 Mark 3 Enfield.