WW2 Australian Army kilt apron

**tundramanq** · 18th July 15, 02:37 PM

Just got this in and it is top notch and authentic waist high apron: $28.99 to the US
KILT APRON WW2 AUSTRALIAN ARMY KHAKI COTTON DRILL - MINT/UNISSUED

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151590406490...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

It's front side only which means it won't wreak pleats like the carelessly wrapping of the full apron. But not good for sitting on the ground and pitchy logs like the full apron.

Cotton is a lot easier to get grease splatters out of after cooking on the barby - ask me how I know, about every other time....

SIZE NOTES: The drop is 26 inches, it is 19.5 inches across the top and 23 inches across the bottom. I think that M TX refers to size because if you are much bigger than 34 around you will find the straps a bit short to tie. The bottom is un hemmed fabric selvage - seems proper for kilts.

**Bruce Scott** · 18th July 15, 03:04 PM

That's interesting. This photo shows a "Victorian Scottish Battalion" with the full aprons:

Click image for larger version.

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https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/158628/

**Lady Grey** · 18th July 15, 03:17 PM

Ooh that's interesting, I really don't need it but my historical clothing research 'itch' is rising.
I remember lots of holidays in Rye where the second photo was taken.

For the military buffs .... Were they training/marching in kilts?
Seems a little strange in the '40s in the midst of the war that they would even bother with kilts?

**Bruce Scott** · 18th July 15, 03:37 PM

They are certainly marching into camp in kilts as shown in the photo. Whether they wore kilts during field training in the 1940s is another matter and I don't have a ready answer.

The 5th Battalion, Victorian Scottish were a Citizen's Military Force (ie, Militia) unit and were home service only. Later in WWII the unit was transferred to the Australian Imperial Force but did not see overseas service. The photo here shows them marching through Perth, WA; the pith helmets have been replaced by Hats, KFF and kilts exchanged for shorts.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/029739/

**tundramanq** · 18th July 15, 03:46 PM

The half apron was a lot more practical in Australia (and here in the desert SW, USA) - three seasons - warm, hot and hotter than hell. The full apron stymies' sweat transport leading to a sweat soaked kilt and the guys overheating.

Just pulled it out of the dryer half dry. Being genuine Army it is high maintenance and will need the iron. No problem with the kilt pressing table and after pressing kilt pleats.

**Tarheel** · 18th July 15, 05:22 PM

I expect the apron is just a bit lighter weight than my old US Army duffle bag and closer to the professional painter's drop clothes I have. I used "Scotch-Gard" brand sealer on the stitching of my duffle years ago and found I slowed deterioration of the fabric and thread. I wonder if the apron would benefit from the same spray?

**tundramanq** · 18th July 15, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

I expect the apron is just a bit lighter weight than my old US Army duffle bag and closer to the professional painter's drop clothes I have. I used "Scotch-Gard" brand sealer on the stitching of my duffle years ago and found I slowed deterioration of the fabric and thread. I wonder if the apron would benefit from the same spray?

Great idea Tarheel. I have some KIWI Camp Dry HD water repellent (13% silicone). I know it works for water but the can says nothing about stains and grease. Tempted to try it as I used it on a leaky jacket and it has survived the washing machine several times.

UPDATE: Pressed and treated. Now keeping it out of the house until the kerosene smell abates and it is fully dry. Forgot about this part.

Hung the jacket in the shed for 3 days when I did it.

**tundramanq** · 19th July 15, 04:54 PM

Added this to first post incase someone is thinking of buying:

SIZE NOTES: The drop is 26 inches, it is 19.5 inches across the top and 23 inches across the bottom. I think that M TX refers to size because if you are much bigger than 34 around you will find the straps a bit short to tie. The bottom is un hemmed fabric selvage - seems proper for kilts.

May be worth asking him if he has different sizes if needed.

**tundramanq** · 19th July 15, 07:13 PM

Still on the apron quest, found this quote here:

http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/re-enac...y-soldier.aspx

"The bright colourfull pattern was also a problem in combat so by 1915 a khaki cotton drill cover was worn over the kilt. The kilt cover was a light brown khaki apron which covered the Scottish kilt and it had a pointed flapped pocket on the front so the full walking out dress sporran." Huh? Dress sporran in battle?

What's wrong with the images???

We await the new photo shoot. But it throws the whole article into question. I smell more speculation now than real research and facts.