Customer Reviews

World War II British Women's Uniforms (Europa Militaria)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Large excellent photographs in color of what must surely be every uniform item worn by British women during WWII including shoes, pyjamas and underwear (not sexy but "sensible" as my mother would say!). This neat little reference volume covers army, navy, airforce, and nursing dress/service uniforms modeled by modern women with 1940's makeup and hairstyles (along with a few original B/W photos) that gives a real impression of the time. A great companion to men's uniform reference books.

I will echo the positive comments and reviews I have seen of this book here and elsewhere. You can see the table of contents here on Amazon; each service's uniform is discussed in all its permutations including hats, shoes, and other accessories. For the collector, there are closeups of labels and helpful information on development for trying to date an item. For the re-enactor, there are notes on the circumstances in which each uniform would have been worn as well as the common non-regulations modifications made by many of the servicewomen. There is even a photo suggesting the contents of one woman's purse! Be aware that there is no detailed discussion of insignia or rank, which I don't think detracts from the book. The text blocks are brief, informative, and focused. The modeling is overwhelmingly good although there are perhaps a couple of instances of awkwardness in the photos. Good use is made of vintage photos as illustrations.

One small note: there is a section in the table of contents labeled "Documents". This is a single page with some photos of various original documents, such as a pay book, leave passes, and a driver's manual. I found the selection of items to be a little odd, however, and certainly not as comprehensive or useful as the rest of the book. Also, there is no 'further reading' or bibliography, although the book really is meant for people who already have some background.

Overall it is an excellent book, everything it promises to be and just as good as I had heard!

This book provides good reference material on women wartime uniforms.

Perhaps its the male perspective but I can't help but notice that books on women clothing written by male authors always have a section featuring women undergarments.

I echo the previous raters' comments. This is THE best reference currently available on the subject of British Womens' uniforms during WW2. Large, excellent quality color photographs paired with easy-to-read, understandable text. I especially like the combination of modern models wearing the actual uniforms combined with period photographs showing the uniforms in use during WW2. This book should be on the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in the subject. World War II British Women's Uniforms (Europa Militaria Special, 7)

This is an outstanding book !!! Normally I'm use to something like the " Osprey " series ( I have two of their women's uniform books, German and Allied ) where you have quality paintings but they are relatively small. In this book you have large full colour photo's of women reenactor's / models and the level of detail is superb; whether seeing a full size image on a page or a detailed close up of items; such as the " detachable collared shirts " ( collars " detached " ) and clothing labels which are all authentic originals. In particular, there is a great detail of the various women's " rig's " as worn by the Royal Navy which usually doesn't get covered that much apart from the basic " ceremonial rig "( " office " uniform ). The book is correctly arranged in order of service : the Royal Navy ( RN ), British Army and the Royal Air Force ( RAF ); and this also covers Nurse uniforms. This book is a must !!! Even if you already have the equivalent excellent " Osprey " books you'll still see and find out more which will further help you interpret the " Osprey " pictures. If only Europa would do a equivalent book for German military women's uniforms plus the U.S., Canadian and Russian women's uniforms. Buy this now.......