A blanket converted into an overcoat for British soldiers
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A blanket converted into an overcoat for British soldiers
The blanket as overcoat. With the shortage of military overcoats, a suggestion for converting a blanket into a warm and practical coat. Simply cut a slit for a neck hole and pull in with a belt! Date: 1914
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14148243
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Belt Blanket Blankets Coats Comfort Converted Overcoat Overcoats Practical Shortage Shortages Tommies Tommy Uniforms Warm Warmth
EDITORS COMMENTS
During the early days of the First World War, as the harsh European winter set in, British soldiers found themselves facing a critical shortage of military overcoats. With the front lines stretching from France to the Middle East, and the demand for uniforms and supplies far outpacing production, soldiers were left to improvise in order to stay warm. Enter the humble blanket. In this photograph from 1914, we see an innovative solution to the overcoat shortage: a blanket converted into a makeshift coat. The simple yet effective design involved cutting a slit for a neck hole and cinching the blanket in at the waist with a belt. This not only provided warmth and comfort but also allowed for a degree of mobility and flexibility. The soldiers, affectionately known as "Tommies," were resourceful and resilient in their efforts to adapt to the harsh conditions of the battlefield. This image is a testament to their ingenuity and the lengths they went to in order to survive the unforgiving climate of the Western Front. As the war dragged on, various organizations and charities began to collect and distribute blankets to the soldiers, ensuring that they had an essential layer of warmth. However, in the early days of the conflict, it was the soldiers themselves who came up with this clever solution to the overcoat shortage. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the creativity, determination, and resilience of the British soldiers during the First World War.
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