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5th Battalion, 43rd Infantry Division (Wessex)
The 5th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment is our Primary Impression for all events that take place from June 1944 to the end of the War in 1945 within the European Theater of Operations.
The 5th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment was part of the 129th Infantry Brigade assigned to the 43rd Infantry Division, a division which was quickly reformed shortly after the outbreak of WWII. It was destined to head to France but was instead held in England after fast moving forces of Germany almost cut off and destroyed the British Expeditionary Force.
From 1940 till D-Day the division was based out of Kent and spent its time training itself to a keen razors edge. On 2 March 1942 General Ivo Thomas took command of the division and retained this command till the end of the war.
The Division missed D-Day and was instead sent ashore 20 days after. From there they participated in Operation Jupiter, which consisted of a series of sharp engagements around the French city of Caen.
They were the first British unit to cross the Seine River, and were at the tip of the spear during Operation Market Garden. During Market Garden they supported the Guards Armored Division on the push up Hells Highway to relive the US 82nd, 101st and British Airborne Divisions.
During the Battle of the Bulge they were placed in a reserve status, however US Forces were able to contain the German Advance.
Finally they assaulted into Germany itself as part of the 1st Canadian Army and ended the war in Northern Germany
Division Insignia for the 43rd Infantry Division (Wessex)
Picked in 1935 it is a combination of a Dragon and Serpent and known as a Wyvern, it was the symbol of the great Wessex Kings
"The ferocity of a Dragon, the speed of an Eagle and the cunning of a Serpant" - Ken Story, 112th Field Regt. RA
The Germans referred to the unit as the "Yellow Devils" or "the British SS Division"
The Impression
The following information will give you the basic information to build our European Theater Impression. This is a basic list of the essentials required to field. There are lots of smaller items that can be added over time that make for a well rounded impression.
Things To Remember
When in doubt about an item contact the Unit Authenticity Officer. It is better to ask questions about something that your unsure of rather then spending large sums of money on the wrong things!
Uniform
Both soldiers in the above pictures are wearing the only uniform authorized for use in the Wiltshire Regiment, that is the wool P37 Pattern Uniform. It is comprised of the following items.
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P37 Battledress Jacket
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P37 Battledress Trousers
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Wool Collarless Shirt
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WWII Pattern Ammo Boots
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FS Cap / GS Cap / Regimental FS Cap
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Anklets
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Braces / Suspenders
FS Caps were used from the beginning of the war till about 1943
GS Caps were standard after 1943
Regimental FS Caps were private purchase items and were worn when going out or around the barracks
AUTHORIZED VENDORS
The below list is the authorized vendors where you can purchase the basic uniform.
What Price Glory
Soldier of Fortune (UK)
Panther Store (Czech)
AUTHORIZED VENDORS
Boots can be sourced from the following vendors.
What Price Glory (US)
Soldier of Fortune (UK)
SM Wholesale (US)
AUTHORIZED VENDORS
Regimental FS Caps so far can only be purchased from the following vendor.
DF Smith Historic
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