Reinforced M42s Question

[Tom Kibler]

I asked this question on another forum. Perhaps someone here can answer my question(s)?

I have been exceedingly fortunate over the years to acquire some wonderful reinforced M42 jackets. I have an unidentified 101st, an two positive ID's 82nd jackets (504 and a 505) and one probably (though not positive) ID's 82nd.

So my question is this; Is anyone aware of a 17th AB (certainly a 507th trooper) that jumped over the Rhine into Germany wearing a "Reinforced" M42?

An acquaintance of mine has an ID'd 507th set used in Normandy and it is NOT reinforced. Did the 507th reinforce their sets for Normandy? If so, I can understand the possibility of some of the troopers using them in Operation Varsity.

Anyway, here are some of my jackets.

[Gary Cain]

Hi Tom,

I know of very few M42's period that were used by the 17th in their jump over the Rhine. Those that i do see have been from 82nd and 101st guys who transferred into the 17th.

[moblo644]

Tom,

for sure 507th PIR jumped into Normandy with reinforced jumpsuit. Many period photos prove that...but I don't know if any 507th trooper jumped with their reinforced jumpsuit for Varsity jump.

I know the entire 504th jumped into Holland with M42 reinforced jumpsuit instead of the M43 suit used by the other regiments at this time.

Best, Jerome

[Tom Kibler]

Originally Posted by moblo644

Tom,

for sure 507th PIR jumped into Normandy with reinforced jumpsuit. Many period photos prove that...but I don't know if any 507th trooper jumped with their reinforced jumpsuit for Varsity jump.

I know the entire 504th jumped into Holland with M42 reinforced jumpsuit instead of the M43 suit used by the other regiments at this time.

Best, Jerome

Thanks Jerome.

The "only" 507th set that I'm aware of with Normandy Provenance was not reinforced (thus that part of the question).

I've never seen a reinforced set patched for the 17th. (Though I'd love to own one).

Many thanks!

TK

[moblo644]

You are welcome Tom, photos evidences show that few jumpsuit as issue were worn in Normandy both by 101st and 82nd trooper but they are not typical of the campain.
Best, Jerome

[zimzum77]

very nice jackets below