Officers of 2nd Parachute Battalion Capt. R. Stark, Lt. J. Brayley, & Maj. R. Ashford. Tunisia, December 1942. (Second image zoom) Maj. Ashford. Note the Fairbairn–Sykes knife on his left thigh. These are the first ‘Trousers Parachutist’ the ‘37 pattern standard issue that were modified at unit level to a high specification & level of workmanship. Buttoned ankle straps have been applied to the left outside thigh to facilitate the carrying of the Fairbairn Sykes knife (see images 3&4) & a large chamois lined front left thigh pocket applied for the carrying & protection of precious maps. Other modifications would include multiple ammunition & dressing pockets and in some cases an alternative internal jet pocket on the thigh to house the Fairbairn Sykes knife. Major Ashford was killed a few days after this photo was taken. #fairbairnsykesfightingknife #fairbairnsykes #paratroopers #paratroopregiment #uniform #trousersparachutist #paras #37pattern #denisonsmock #camouflage #ww2 #1942 #vintagephoto #vintagemenswear #vintageworkwear #vintagestyle #ruggedstyle #formfollowsfunction https://www.instagram.com/p/B_uXnveDNpi/?igshid=40odxgllzqbg
