MODIFIED SAS Windproof Smock, 1980s-issue

Got this direct from London for $20! Definitely one of my more interesting finds. This thing's been modified quite a bit. It was "well-loved" by whoever it was issued to. There's a couple snags and pulls, but I'm not bothered, that's part of its story!


The most obvious difference are the woolen cuffs. The velcro has been taken away and these cuffs attached. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that both right pockets were removed. This was done to prevent a sling or webbing from getting snagged on the pockets, hindering proper weapon usage.


Custom pocket above right breast, most likely for a compass. Note how removal of right breast pocket was not wasted, with a zipper added to create a pocket reminiscent of the newer-issue smocks.


Close-up of modified pocket areas.


Woolen cuffs.

Looks interesting...

hmm, those are some cool mods...makes you wonder who had it eh?

It'd be interesting to know where this thing has been, at the very least.

In the eighties it wasn't uncommon for experienced infantrymen to acquire windproof smocks and have them modified like this by unit tailors. Woollen cuffs especially. Very often the cuffs from army issue socks were used, or the cuffs from an old woolly pully. This one is likely to have been done after the introduction of the SA80 since back in SLR days no-one used a sling. Compass pocket would have been for the Silva compass.

Thats very nice, I've just bought an SASS smock my dad had when he served, will post photies later.