British WWII MRC (Medical Research Council) Body Armour

One of the more esoteric and rare pieces of WWII British militaria is a piece of equipment called MRC Body Armour. It is comprised of three pieces of 1mm thick manganese steel (same as used in helmets) plate which are padded with heavy felt pads, each then sewn into a khaki light web/canvas covering, and fastened together by a series of riveted web straps with adjustable brass buckles, and a pair of brass hooks and elongated steel flat loops. The total assembly weighing 3 1/2 pounds.

In April 1942, the Military Research Council gave the go-ahead for standardizing personal protective equipment and beginning their mass production with a forecast of 3.5 million. Eventually, 200,000 sets of Briggs Bodies Motors (major manufacturer of the British Parachutist helmet (HSAT) and Harrison & Bros Howsons were produced by 1944, but only 79,000 were actually used and distributed among the army (3,100 for the Canadian Armed Forces, 6,000 for the paratroopers, for the SAS 400, for the Polish paratroopers 2500 ) And the Royal Air Force.

The author is not certain regarding the specific origin of the example which will be presented in this article. It is either very early British production for the British forces during WWII (See the following image; HQ, 56th Div., 11 Corps, Eastern Command, taken on 21 March 1942), or the known immediate post war production for the Belgian military forces (country or manufacturer unknown).  Two principle indicators are the light green drab hue, compared with a lighter tan khaki of the vast majority of WWII British web equipment, and the fact that someone has seen fit to obscure a marking on the under side of the center plate, for one reason or another. Another indication is that the assembly and stitching of the cloth material in each of the three plates does not seem to come up to the normal quality control expected of either British or Canadian manufacture. While most fittings, including rivets, are brass, there is an exception in that the small plates attaching the webbed straps to each of the three plates, and the two elongated slot fittings, brass riveted to the lower corners of the front center rectangular plate appear to be steel. This detail is consistent with all British production. One thing for certain it is not a replica. The image of a known reproduction by Kay Canvas is shown further below for contrast/comparison.

Unfortunately there is a paucity of surviving examples outside of museums and private collections to compare with. However, given a comparison with all the details of known British manufactured examples, strongly indicates this specimen is also of British manufacture. One of the singular documented use of MRC Body Armour in combat action, is by the British and Polish Airborne Forces during Operation ‘Market - Garden’. There is a specific classic photograph of a group of Polish doctors in battledress, surgical aprons, and MRC body armour, in a forward Field Ambulance Unit aid station. Another unit that was known to have used the armour were members of the Glider Pilot Regiment. One of the main reasons for the rarity of historical photographic evidence, is that the prescribed way of wearing the equipment, is strapped on the inside of an individual’s battledress uniform. The MRC armour was found to be uncomfortable to wear, consequently not widely used. 

The first image to be presented is an example on display, formerly at the Airborne Forces Museum at Altershot, Hants. Note that it is displayed on a Glider Pilot Regiment battledress blouse. 

Another source, in a different view, attributes the same display after having been moved to the Airborne Assault Museum, Duxford.

A different set of MRC body armour on another battledress blouse at the Airborne Assault Museum at Duxford. Note you don't see the 1st glider pilot's brevet on the battledress.

This is followed by the museum's display of another set with a group of distinguished decorations (DSO w/bar, MC, and campaign medals) along with a Denison smock and maroon beret. After protracted observation under magnification the cap badge on the beret can be tentatively identified as Royal Army Medical Corps (brass, correct basic shape, k.c.). With both acknowledgment and gratitude to Ben Hill, ParaData Manager, Airborne Assault Museum, the Denison and MRC armour belonged to a sapper, i.e. (RE, REME), named Denning, and the group of decorations and medals are those of LtCol. Richard T.H. "Dickie" Lonsdale, DSO w/bar, MC, of Lonsdale Force, Oosterbeek, Operation 'Market-Garden'.

Unfortunately the next set of images does not have source attribution other than from an author's personal collection, however comes from a web site with an extensive discussion of the use of MRC body armour by Canadian military forces during WWII.

Following two images are an original and a reconstruction of the MRC body armour as employed by the Canadian Army during WWII.

The next example is an acknowledged  currently produced replica set, clearly marked by the manufacturer Kay Canvas.

The following set of images is from this author's personal collection (found at the Great Western Gun Show in Pomona, Ca. in 1998), clearly showing a discernible difference in the color, as well as a certain wanting in manufacturing quality control. The flatness of all the plates as issued  would indicate a large size (not known whether armour was issued in sizes). This has been corrected as seen in this photography, successfully flexed to the correct curvature.The author would be most appreciative of any reader's further insight regarding the origin of the armour.

The three components, front and back, of the author's example of MRC body armour with the steel plates having been correctly contoured to their intended curvature (no small task if done right). With the plates curved, the armour seems to be rather small in size. This leads one to believe that the obliteration of a marking on the reverse side of the square plate may have been to conceal a small size marking, judging from the length of the straps.

Here are a final two examples, the first apparently being either white or "blancoed", and manufactured for the Belgian army for either a stretcher-bearer, or for use with a winter camouflaged uniform. Said to have been found 20 years ago in a scrapyard un-marked, at that time sold for the equivalent of $351.00 USD, and the other of unknown origin, of a very light grey hue of khaki tan.

Uniform of a Colonel of Airborne Forces (VDV)/Spetsnaz, Soviet Military Forces, circa 1991

With the downfall of the Soviet Union in August of 1991, subsequently there was a short time window when all manner of Soviet Military Forces then current, genuine uniforms and equipment became available to the West. Simultaneously the author was retiring from naval intelligence with the U.S. Naval Reserve after 29 years.

Having acquired a reasonable knowledge of the armed forces of the Soviet Union over that span of time, I decided to acquire a mini collection representative of our “former adversary”, for posterity. In addition, to the best of this author’s knowledge, as of this point in time there has not been any significant replication, i.e. fake uniform/insignia/equipment production, with the single exception of fake caps.

The following is an excerpt from a website article from a major store specializing in Soviet uniforms and equipment:

“When I first started this site in 2003, I indicated fakes were not a major concern for Soviet uniform/cap collectors. This was true at the time, since there was a major "glut" of authentic caps entering the market. But since then, a major fake/replica industry has developed. When fakes first showed up - they were usually high-end types, general and admiral caps made with authentic materials left over from the collapse of the USSR, which were rarely encountered by the casual collector. The next wave of reproductions were just that - reproductions intended primarily for the military re-enactors, especially for WWII. Now, however, a large percentage of Soviet caps offered for sale on auction sites and on Soviet militaria websites are fake. Many of these modern fakes are coming out of Ukraine although others now originate from Pakistan. Interestingly enough, the quality of most current replica general and admiral caps has deteriorated (with silk embroidery vice metal wire embroidery), while fake Soviet officer and soldier caps are often very well made with materials very close to the originals. So be VERY CAREFUL when buying a cap that looks new. Ask me if you have any doubts before buying something you're unsure of. I am always happy to help. In the following paragraphs I have attempted to discuss these different categories of "fake" caps, why they exist and what to look for in "suspect" caps.”

The serious collector of Soviet vintage militaria is well advised to visit the following: http://www.undertheredstar.com/fakes.htm  

So obviously this article is intended to provide the reader with a set of imagery which can be used to compare with any suspected items. Of specific interest should be the labels and/or stamps that are found on the uniforms, hats, and equipment. The other element of authenticity to be observed are the various sets of flaps/tabs, and the integral concealed holster for a Makarov in the jacket. This occurrence was precisely why this author acquired all of his Soviet collection very early on in the 1991-1992 time frame.

I chose a field service uniform of a Colonel of the Russian Airborne Forces or VDV (from "Vozdushno-desantnyevoyska Rossii", Russian: Воздушно-десантные войска России, ВДВ; Air-landing Forces). Basically the uniform consists of the M1984 “Flora” pattern camouflaged jacket and trousers, in addition to the classic light blue and white striped telniashka and turquoise blue beret. Officers and NCO’s most commonly wore a brown leather Sam Brown type belt, with a matching brown leather holster (w/spare magazine pocket) configured for the 9x18mm Makarov PM pistol, or the wood or plastic combination stock/holster for the 9x18mm Stechkin APS machine pistol.

Having reviewed a reasonably extensive reference library, it can stated that other than the subdued insignia which will be seen on the included imagery, no other distinguishing insignia is wore on this specific uniform, not even their parachutist jump qualification badge. Having been said, there is always at least one known exception; being the late VDV Lieut General Alexander Lebed during the turbulent early 90s, with the demise of the Soviet Union. He is seen (with attribution and gratitude to alamy), taking an oath of allegiance wearing lieut general officer's service shoulder boards. Note the other officers in the photo are not. It is the identical uniform, with exception of lower rank, which I will be describing.

There are other post-Soviet era images showing a similar uniform with an extensive array of insignia, but the uniform’s camouflage pattern is decidedly different than the Soviet “Flora” pattern. An example is the following image of the late Lieut Colonel Anatoly Lebed, Hero of the Russian Federation, who was a Spetsnaz officer. Note his distinctive badge incorporating a wolf and bat-like wings.

There is a range of headgear, in addition to the classic blue beret, which were wore by all ranks of the VDV and Spetsnaz. Surprising a camouflaged “deer-slayer” type utility hat, with a subdued cap badge was worn quite frequently. It will be shown in the imagery. In addition the khaki cloth padded jump helmet and the winter service, blue-grey, wool and synthetic fur ushanka, will also be depicted.

Here are additional images of the classic VDV/Spetsnaz turquoise blue beret, showing both details of the beret and its labeling.

As previously discussed, one of the other very common caps worn during the waining days of the Soviet Union was what the author choses to call a "deer-slayer" utility type cap, in a camouflaged "Flora" pattern.

The next significant uniform item is the classical turquoise blue and white striped, long sleeved wool jersey called the telniashka.

Next is the summer weight "Flora" camouflaged M1984 jacket with subdued insignia and the integral concealed holster for the Makarov pistol.

The camouflaged trousers have one feature to be mentioned, that being a pair of straps which can be fastened under each foot to hold the pant legs in the boot.

Believe these to be enlisted, not officer's (which are taller by 2" and smooth black leather), field service boots of pebble-grained black leather, however commonly worn by all ranks. Their surface is very similar to the classic WWII British Army ammunition boot.

The final element of the normal field service uniform is the brown leather holster and Sam Brown type belt.

The specific 9x18mm Makarov pistol depicted is somewhat unique, and is discussed in detail in a previous article in this blog: https://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2018/02/an-interesting-makarov-pistol-open-to.html.

As was previously discussed, there was no additional insignia wore with the uniform, however the next image displayed shows an array of insignia normally wore on either service or parade dress by both VDV and the Spetsnaz units.

The Captain's dress shoulder boards, collar tabs and VDV branch of arms, along with the Guards designated award, various grades of parachute jump proficiency and master grade proficiency are more readily recognized. The large patch with the wolves head, parachute canopy and wings is the 218th VDV Spetsnaz Battalion. The Soviet Naval Infantry (also wore by Naval Spetsnaz), is followed on the lower right by the KGB Interior Troops branch of arms. The remaining two badges are the Voyage pin of the Aircraft Carrier Kuznetzov (1993) and the pilot's wings of The Soviet Air Force (VVS), sniper pilot grade (1990).

The remaining two items are the standard jump helmet of the VDV, somewhat of a hybrid of a Soviet tanker's helmet and a British WWII sorbo training helmet for parachutists, and finally the VDV  officer's winter ushanka.