Doughboy Information

WHAT IS THE UNIFORM?

The basic uniform we wear is that dating from the 1910 regulation for khaki tunic and breeches.

Although there are minor differences between the pre-war and wartime made tunics and trousers, in general the uniform consists of a four pocket service tunic with stand up collar. Which was adopted by the US army, from the early part of the century.....following on from the transitional Blue and Khaki uniforms found for the Span-Am period....Roughriders etc.
Bronzed federal eagle buttons are fitted on pocket flaps and front.
Bronzed branch of service, and national cipher collar dog insignia is fitted to the stand up collar.

Our Headgear consists of either the 1912 campaign hat(Montana peak), overseas service wool side hat, or the 1917 US steel helmet.


Breeches are either cotton canvas, for the early pre war impressions or wool type for European impression.
1918 Straight leg trouser made from wool are also worn.


Leggings are predominantly 1917-18 lace up style, which were the most common for rear line troops.
Also we wear US Wrap around "puttees", 1907 spiral wrap canvas gaiters, and private purchase leather leggings.


What's the equipment?

All the canvas equipment is from the 1910 regulation. Again there are some minor differences between first pattern 1910-1912 belts ,bags, packs etc, and the same items made during the war years.

Developments in manufacturing processes and re-designs required from practical experience in the field often produced minor variations in webbing equipment style and function.

The most early types we use are fitted with "Eagle Snap fasteners". These types of equipment are predominantly for our Mexican Border period impressions .(Pershings Punitive Expedition into Mexico 1916-17)
Later equipment's dating from Wartime manufacture, are often fitted with Lift The Dot.(LTD) fastenings, but to all intensive purposes remain unchanged.


What are the weapons used?

The basic weapon for the soldier, was the regulation M1903 Springfield bolt action rifle.
Due to insufficient stock, and manufacturing capabilities in the US, when America entered the war, the old Pattern 1917 Enfield Bolt action rifle was also adopted as a stop gap measure. Designated M1917 Rifle, and re-chambered for the same .30.06 cartridge as the Springfield , the M17(P17)..went to France, in the hands of more Doughboys, than that of the official regulation arm..M1903 Springfield!

Pershings Doughboys are all equipped with either M1903 or M17 rifles.


Handguns used are either the Colt 1911 ACP Semi automatic Pistol, .45Cal.
or the .45/.38 Colt New service, and Smith and Wesson 1917 revolvers, which again were introduced as stop gap items into US inventory, at the time of war.....The Official regulation sidearm being of course the .45 1911 Semiauto pistol.

Other personal weapons used include, Winchester 1897 trench shotgun, and the British Enfield .303 bolt action. But these although sometimes used by our group for specialised historical impression, were uncommon at the time.....but were never the less used by US forces in the AEF.

PERSHINGS DOUGHBOYS, UTILISE ALL THE ABOVE ORIGINAL ITEMS. Each member researches, and equipps himself with the correct uniform equipment and weapon, for our historical presentations.

We only resort to reproduction items, when the originals are not available anywhere in the world, or are prohibitively expensive collectors items.
That said, since the majority of our uniform and equipments ARE original items, then WW1 US re-enactment can be considerably more expensive than other periods where reproduction kit is the norm.

Not to discouraged, new recruits should appreciate that all original items are steadily growing in commercial value, and if looked after can only be viewed as an investment.
Enjoyment obtained from researching, procuring and wearing these historic items is immense.


Where do we get the kit from? Doughboy equipment , this page will get you started.