top of page

Basic Camping and Personal Equipment

British Commandos during World War II were elite troops who operated in small units, often behind enemy lines or in difficult terrain. As such, their camping and personal equipment had to be lightweight, compact, and rugged, suitable for rapid movement, stealth, and self-sufficiency.

​

While there was no standardized "camping kit" per se, commandos typically carried a mix of standard British Army gear and specialized items tailored to their missions. Here's a breakdown of the most common camping and survival-related equipment:

1. Shelter

  • Groundsheet / Rain Cape (Gas Cape): Often used as makeshift shelter or protection against rain. Multi-purpose.

  • Camouflaged Shelter Half or Bivouac Sheet: Some units carried a single sheet that could be combined with others to form tents.

  • Hessian Sack / Burlap Camouflage Netting: Used for concealment and limited shelter.

2. Sleeping

  • Wool Blanket: Standard issue. Sometimes modified or carried in a waterproof cover.

  • Sleeping Bag: Not standard, but some missions, especially in cold climates, might include a zipped or fleece-lined bag.

  • Ground Mat or Extra Clothing for Insulation: Improv equipment for comfort and insulation.

3. Mess Tin Set

  • Standard British Army aluminum mess tins—nesting pair used for boiling, eating, or storing food.

  • Used with solid fuel tablets or small Esbit-style stoves (more common later in the war or borrowed from allies).

4. Kettle / Small Cooking Pot

  • Occasionally issued or improvised (especially for longer operations or when semi-stationary).

5. Cutlery

  • Folding knife, fork, spoon (sometimes in a set) or individual eating tools.

6. Water Bottle and Cup

  • Enamel or metal water bottle (standard issue), carried in a webbing pouch with a metal drinking cup that nested on the base.

7. Water Purification Tablets

  • Issued in some commando units, especially for jungle or behind-enemy-lines operations.

8. Ration Packs

  • 24-hour ration pack (including bully beef, biscuits, tea, chocolate, etc.)

  • High-energy items like Horlicks tablets, oatmeal blocks, and condensed milk.

  • Boiled sweets and tea-making kits were considered morale boosters.

9. Small Tools

  • Folding entrenching tool or spade

  • Wire cutters (especially for raids)

  • Pry bar or bayonet used as a tool

10. Fire Making

  • Matches in waterproof container

  • Lighter or fire striker

11. Lighting

  • Small torch/flashlight (often with red lens)

  • Candle stubs for low-light environments

12. Webbing Set

  • 37 Pattern Webbing was standard, but often modified or reduced for mobility.

  • Carried ammo, rations, water, and essentials.

  • Bergen Rucksack: Larger load-carrying pack introduced for long-range or commando operations (e.g., Lovat Scouts or SAS-like units).

Specialized / Climate-Specific Gear

  • Mosquito netting and repellent (for Burma or jungle operations)

  • Woolen cap comforter and gloves (for colder climates)

  • Arctic sleeping gear and tents (used in Norwegian raids like Operation Claymore)

Conclusion

British Commandos were known for improvisation and mission-specific loadouts. While they didn't carry heavy camping gear like traditional infantry, they packed light, efficient gear for survival, rest, and minimal cooking. Missions lasting longer than a few days required carefully planned kits tailored to terrain and objectives.

Let me know if you're looking for re-enactment gear, loadout lists, or specific units like No. 4 Commando or SAS—I can provide detailed kits.

bottom of page