If I were crewing an Israeli Magach 3 tank on October 6, 1973, what would I be wearing as I go into combat? How would that compare to, say, the uniform of a US WWII-era tanker?

by AlasdhairM

I'm working on a living history outfit to be a Magach 3 crewman, and I can't seem to find any sources on what they were issued as a combat uniform. The pictures I've found suggest a US-style Nomex coverall, black combat boots, and a US style Combat Vehicle Crewman helmet, often with what appear to be 1944 pattern dust goggles.

How close is my photo interpretation?

the_howling_cow

During WWII, the US Army Armored Force generally relied on the standard uniform of most ground combat troops, with a few specificities;

Clothing:

  • Socks, underwear, and a light T-shirt or tank top

  • M1937 wool shirt and trousers or HBT shirt and trousers

  • M1941 or M1943 jacket

  • Type II service shoes with M1936 dismounted leggings or M1943 two-buckle boots

  • M1936 suspenders with M1936 pistol belt

  • M1910 canteen with cup and cover

  • M1942 first aid pouch

  • M1916 holster

  • Two-cell pistol or carbine magazine pouches

  • M3 or M7 holsters

  • M1936 musette bag with the following common contents:

  • Various personal items

  • 1 wool overcoat (lashed to outside when not worn)

  • 1 M1938 raincoat (under flap or tightly rolled inside)

  • 2 M1934 wool blankets

  • 1 M1942 mess kit with M1926 utensils

  • 1 day's C or K rations plus one D ration bar

  • 1 toilet kit and bath towel

  • M5 protective ointment

  • TL-122 flashlight

  • 1 pair gloves and handkerchief

  • M1938 tanker helmet

  • One of many varieties of goggles, including but not limited to:

  • Polaroid Type 1021

  • M1938 Resistal

  • B-7, B-8, or AN6530

  • M1943 or M1944

  • Goggles, Ski, Mountain, 1st or 2nd Pattern

As they could not sleep or store most equipment inside their vehicles, most tank crewmen acquired (although they were not officially issued with it) the M1935 bedding roll. Unfolded, the roll measured 76 x 28 in. It was not a sleeping bag in itself, being more of a storage apparatus; clothing, blankets, and personal items were packed in the unfolded bag, and it was rolled up, with a final diameter of 9-15 inches and a length of 28 inches, and secured with straps. It could be slept on, however, with the blankets or a "mummy bag" type sleeping bag being placed on it.

For severe cold weather, the Army designed several items for tank crews, including