Tank Crew Suits
The Canadian Army issued several types
of Crew Suits - specialized garments for the crews of Armoured Fighting
Vehicles - beginning in the Second World War.
The most common type of crew suit was a simple set of Overalls. These
were utilized in warm weather or during training, and custom AFV
Overalls were also issued to AFV crews (known as the "Denim Tank Crew
Oversuit"), which were more complicated in design. Oilskins may have
been worn by some crews as well. Also, while training in the UK, in
addition to khaki Overalls, black overalls were used by AFV crews (black
was considered the best colour by many nations for AFV crews as it
tended to conceal dirt and oil stains). On the Continent, black Overalls
were not used, as German AFV crews were also clad in black uniforms. The
AFV helmet worn by Canadian tank crews also had a similar silhouette to
German helmets, particularly Fallschirmjäger (parachute) helmets
but also the standard stahlhelm.
The "Pixie Suit" was a garment similar to overalls, but with a padded
lining and multiple pockets on the exterior. Officially a "Tank Suit" or
"Tanker's Oversuit", this garment was issued beginning in July 1943,
designed specifically for AFV crewmen, and was eventually produced in
both light tan (khaki) and in camouflage material (no evidence has come
to light to indicate that Canadian troops ever used the camouflage
version). The suit was designed to be worn over Battle Dress in winter
and tropical gear in warm climates. The garment fit loosely, and was
lined with Angola wool. Some sources confuse the camouflaged version
with a "Jungle Tank Suit"; the latter was actually in lightweight
material in "jungle green", with a trapdoor on the backside of the
garment to permit calls of nature. These were also not issued to
P. Harrison and Lieutenant J. Swainson with a Sherman Tank
of The Fort Garry Horse. This vehicle was the first Canadian
tank to enter Germany, in The Hochwald, 3 March 1945. Both
types of commonly used cold weather clothing are shown here,
the Pixie Suit at left and the Leather Jerkin at right. LAC
Unidentified crewmen standing next to their Sherman tank
during a lull in a combined armour and artillery exercise,
England, 5-10 June 1943. The plain black overalls can be
seen on soldier at right. Note also the vehicle markings on
the Sherman. LAC Photo.
Denim crew suit, reconstruction
photo courtesy of Ed Storey.
Khaki "Pixie" suit in the
collection of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Camouflaged "Pixie" suit.
After the Second
World War, the "Pixie" suits continued to be used, especially in Europe,
until the mid-1960s. From that time, black Overalls were widely used, as
well as US Air Force one-piece Crewsuits.
After Unification, a
purpose-made Combat AFV Crew Suit was introduced in the late 1970s
several AFV garments were issued, including:
AFV Overall in olive
green for summer wear
Two piece AFV Crew
Suit for winter wear, including a waist length padded jacket with
attached hood and trousers.
Information for this page provided by Ed