COMBAT UNIFORMS OF THE 1980's
Part 1

DPM Uniforms

Development of the Temperate Uniform

Since the end of world War Two the British army had used the heavy woollen khaki colored uniform similar in style as the traditional war time British Tommy.  During the late 1950's it was decided that a new style of uniform was needed and a similar pattern based on the American uniforms issued to British troops in Korea, was developed and became the 1960 Pattern Combat Suit.  In 1966 a new version made of a new disruptive pattern material (DPM) appeared.  The basic cut of the cloth was the same as the '60 pattern Combats and are commonly referred to as '66 pattern Combats and were the first style of DPM issued for temperate use.

Further development resulted in the 1968 pattern DPM Combat suit, which was based on the earlier '60 pattern Combats and is similar in appearance albeit in DPM.  Trails were carried out and the '68 pattern  was accepted for common issue from 1972 onwards.  This was a leap for the British army who had up to then only issued camouflaged Dennison Combat Smocks to the Parachute Regiment and other specialized units, although some regulars sought the smock via private means.

The 68 Pattern DPM consisted of a 4 colour pattern of Green, Brown, Ochre and Black with the Green having a slightly darker green outline/border.  Later production changes resulted in  the colours being slightly changed whilst keeping the same pattern.  The darker green outline/border became less noticeable, this resulted in a 1975 pattern material which was issued from the late 1970's, and is indistinguishable from the original 1968 Pattern.  This '75 pattern is to all other purposes a variation of the '68 pattern so was never reclassified.  DPM colours tend to differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, for example items made in Northern Ireland are slightly browner in colour.

The '68 Pattern was a heavy uniform, being twin lined and when wet tended to take a long time to dry out.  The following uniform types were developed in similar DPM  - Temperate, Artic and Tropical.  
By the mid 1980's with the lessons learnt from the 1982 Falklands Conflict it was decided to develop  a new uniform which would be more soldier friendly, with larger pockets, faster drying materials and was lighter that became known as '85 pattern and was issued for common use from 1986 onwards.  But some habits died hard and some still preferred the '68 pattern  because of its durability.  It was common to see '68 and '85 pattern being worn together in a mix and match way. In the late 1980's a 1990 pattern was developed which was based on the '85 pattern but was supposed to be more robust, but again this did not solve the problem of the troops mixing the various patterns. The introduction of '95 combats resolved the issue of the mix and match and is very much the 1st pattern of the modern day combats which uses a layer system. 

One of the major problems of DPM is that for those that are not aware of the difference in the patterns and styles, still think you are wearing current issue clothing and are serving soldiers, not realizing that in fact you are wearing uniforms from over 25 years ago. 
Once you have mastered the various shades and patterns you will more than likely walk down a street or even around a show, saying to your self " 68 pattern...  85 pattern... Nope that's wrong, that's current... Yup that's 68 pattern" It comes automatically.  And when you see someone wearing a very good condition '68 pattern Windproof in a large size you will want to throttle them for it and will curse them under your breath.

The Flip side of knowing what you are looking at is that you will notice how many people who are portraying a conflict  are in fact dressed incorrectly.   So after a while you will spot a '68 pattern item mixed in with '85 pattern from well over 100 yards.

Suggested uniform time line

Uniform Variations

1960 Pattern Combat Suit (Olive)

SMOCK, COMBAT 1960 Pattern
TROUSERS, COMBAT 1960 Pattern

The '60 pattern 'Olive' Combats were designed to replace the woollen Khaki Serge battle dress of WWII design.  It consisted of Combat smock and trousers in an Olive material which was twin lined with a lighter material also in Olive.  Based on the Cavalry design the Trousers came above the waist line and was designed to be used in conjunction with braces.

	Shell Dressing pocket on trousers right hip.	Stitched Collar.
	Trouser and Jacket Labels.

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1960 pattern Combats (DPM)

SMOCK, COMBAT (1960 Pattern)
TROUSERS, COMBAT (1960 Pattern)

By 1966 further research produced a camouflaged version of the '60 pattern Combat suit in disruptive pattern (DP) material to enable the soldier to blend in with his surroundings .  The combat jacket was exactly the same cut as the '60 pattern combat suit and included the same stitching of the collar and twin lining.  This pattern of combats is commonly referred to as the  '66 pattern DPM Combat suit although it is labeled 'Combats (1960 Pattern)'.  

Here are the basics for spotting a '66 pattern DPM uniform.
1.  The jacket has a twin lining that is a mix of material in olive and brown lining.   2.  The jacket has a stitched collar and re-enforced elbows.  3.  The trousers are lined in brown material.   4.  The Label will only have a NATO sizing.

 

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1968 pattern Combat Suit (DPM)

SMOCK, MAN'S COMBAT (1968 Pattern)
TROUSERS, MEN'S COMBAT (1968 Pattern)
HOOD, COLD WEATHER (COMBAT D.P.M.)

Further development of the '66 pattern DPM lead to the 1968 pattern Combat Suit.  This was largely based around the 60 pattern with some minor improvements.  After further trials the '68 pattern DPM  was accepted for common issue from 1972 onwards.  In 1975 the DPM coloring was subtly  changed - More I suspect due to advances in dying techniques and newer materials - but as nothing else was changed these '75 pattern were never relabeled as such, so fall under the '68 pattern and are very difficult to spot.  
A Temperate set of '68 pattern consists of Jacket, trousers, Hood and Cap. Tropical and Artic clothing was also produced using similar DPM patterns and are also referred to as '68 pattern.  Depending on the time of year, under the Jacket was worn a Shirt, a woollen jumper and if needed to, a sleeves less quilted jacket Liner.

'68 pattern Combats were produced by numerous manufacturers and as a result slight colour variations of the DPM can be found.  For example Combats made in Northern Ireland are slightly browner in appearances.  The Jackets label has instructions on keeping warm and for additional warmth the jacket is fitted with a crotch flap.  It has been known that unscrupulous dealers have claimed ordinary combat jackets as being Para issue because of this crotch flap and have hiked up the prices. So do not be fooled, Para Jackets commonly have press studs instead of buttons holding the flap in place, but sometimes a squadie will modify things.

Here are the basics of spotting a '68 pattern DPM uniform.
1.  The Jacket is fully lined and the trousers 3/4 lined with a Olive material.  2.  The Jacket has buttoned pockets and cuffs.  3.  The jacket pockets are flush fitting so that they appear flat.  4.  The trousers have a shell dressing pocket on the front right hip and the inside waist has buttons for fitting a pair of braces.  5.  Check the label, it normally says '68 pattern and the sizing is in Size.