Combat smock with hood : Lieutenant A B Garland, 3 and 1 Battalions, Royal Australian Regiment

British Army olive green cotton sateen Combat Smock as issued to Australian forces in Korea. The smock has a front zip fastening with a weather protection flap secured by five brown plastic buttons. There is a further button flap enabling the collar to be turned up and secured against the weather as required. The sleeves are reinforced at the elbows, and have adjustable button cuffs. There are a pair of breast patch pockets, that on the left having a pen pocket built in, and a pair of elasticised expanding waist pockets. All pockets have pointed flaps secured by buttons. Drawstrings are fitted at the waist and at the hem. There is an inner pocket inside the left breast and a large buttoning pouch inside the lower rear of the jacket, possibly for storage of the hood when not fitted. Shoulder straps are each secured by a single plastic button, and these buttons, along with a third located between them on the rear of the collar, are also used for attachment of the hood. The hood has a chromed press-stud closure at the throat and a drawstring for tightening. A pair of white cotton labels sewn inside the lower right hand panel are printed in black with care instructions and maker's details which read 'SMOCK COMBAT SATEEN SIZE 7 Ht. 5ft. 11in.-6ft. 2in. Breast 36in. - 38in. L SILBERSTON & SONS LTD. 1953'. The name 'GARLAND' is written in black ink on the upper label and inside the collar. A further pair of white cotton labels sewn inside the hood are printed in black with the words 'ATTACHABLE HOOD FOR COMBAT SUIT 1, Attach to Combat Smock by buttons at back of neck under collar and shoulder straps. 2. Wear over Balaclava Helmet or Combat Cap. 3. Close front of Hood by slipping cord loop over ball toggle and slide toggle to required adjustment. Fasten snap closure. HOODS ATTACHABLE (For Smocks Combat) Small For Smock Sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7 J. Compton, Sons & Webb, Ltd. 1952.' The name 'GARLAND' is again written in black ink on the lower label.

The 'Smock, Combat, Sateen' was first issued in 1951 as a response to the terrible conditions endured by British and Commonwealth troops during their first winter in Korea. It was a windproof and water resistant garment with a detachable liner and hood, somewhat similar in concept to the American M-1943 Field Jacket used by many other United Nations troops, including Australians. Initially available in limited numbers, the Combat Smock was not widely issued to Australian troops until late in the war. This example was worn by Lieutenant Alfred Barrett ('Alf') Garland, who arrived in Korea for service with 3 Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, after the armistice. When 3 RAR was withdrawn to Australia in November 1954, he transferred to 1 RAR for the remainder of his tour, remaining in Korea until July 1955. Alf Garland went on to a distinguished military career, serving in Borneo and Vietnam, and retiring with the rank of brigadier in 1984. He died in March 2002.