Thursday, 10 December 2015

Poem ~ Special Coats for Trenches - Friday, 10 December 1915

Source: File: 1915: Trench Coats.jpeg, [online] to see original images see source details below. Accessed: 10 December 2015].

Revising adaptive Military raincoats
From the prewar heavy coats of serge,
Came styles from tailors of Harrods -
All for the officer's winter wardrobe.

First the 'Adaptable Jacket' to wear
Under the Greatcoat; British warm
Or under waterproofs - the 'Adaptable'
Being lined with fur or Camel fleece.

Such a serviceable garment made
Of an outer layer - proofed Khaki Drill
Or Italian cloth - with press buttons
To go across chest to fit any waist.

The lining for the adaptable jacket,
Depended on price range and came
In Wallaby, Natural Brown Lamb,
Musquash or cheaper camel fleece.

Further more, Harrods might offer
The Yeltra Storm Warm Trench Coat;
Ease of movement from a full skirt
And Raglan Sleeves - without rubber.

The two linings of Yeltra, provided
Waterproofing with Siloyl - to cut out
Rain, wind or sleet - under a lining
Of proofed khaki drill or check wool.

A combination of the 'Yeltra Storm
Coat' all interlined with Siloyl -
To suit any pocket - far superior to
Trench coats of perishable oilskins.

Alternatively, the clever officer might
Prefer the 'Gooch' Trench Coat -
Designed with the officer in mind,
Made from many trench experiences.

Boasting best in coat construction,
Well cut and tailored - ready for any
Current campaigns - all with outer
Pockets, with tight closing cuffs.

The 'Gooch' Trench Coat consisted
Of three layers - an inner lining
Of a light British Warm fleece, all
Detachable - ready to be worn alone.

The middle lining made of the oilskin
Waterproof type, while the outer
Coat was proofed treble twisted yarn -
All to give full waterproof protection.

Not to be outdone, came the Burberry
Trench-Warm - assured with quality -
A coat to carry their individual label,
Distinguished for any solider on duty.

The Burberry, effectively two coats
In one, to exclude all biting winds
Or rains - without overheating wearer;
Completed with Burberry service kit.

A further choice given by Aquascutum,
With a claim dating back to 1850s -
Again detachable, this time in leather,
Fleece, wool or fur - sold with a quote.

The Aquascutum's reliability provided
By a Lt.-Col. with a battalion in France;
In giving a 6 month trial of the fleece-
Lined type, to praise waterproofness.

Words declared the Aquascutum free
Of faults, from other makes previously
Worn - including durability to last over
Time - with its ten buttons and belt.

A classic designed by military needs,
From cold winters and flooded ditches -
Given a timeless name of Trench Coat;
In continued reliability for future times.

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1915. Advert - Harrods Military Tailors. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 10 December. P.11. Col.6-7. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/12031763/Daily-Telegraph-December-10-1915.html [Accessed: 10 December 2015].

Anon.,1915 Advert - Aquascutum Trench Coat. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 3 December. P.12. Col.4. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/12025575/Daily-Telegraph-December-3-1915.html [Accessed: 10 December 2015].

Anon.,1915 Advert -The 'Gooch' Trench Coat. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 6 December. P.12. Col.4. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/12025645/Daily-Telegraph-December-6-1915.html [Accessed: 10 December 2015].

Anon.,1915. Advert - Burberry Trench-Warm. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 9 December. P.3. Col.3. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/12031744/Daily-Telegraph-December-9-1915.html [Accessed: 10 December 2015].

Source: File: Trench coat From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Online. Available at: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trench_coat> Accessed 10 December 2015

Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 10 December 2015). 



#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #WW1centenary #worldwarone #worldwaroneremembered #WW1Uniforms

No comments:

Post a Comment