What did the Band of Brothers wear in Bastogne?

What did the Band of Brothers wear in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge during the winter of 1944?

In this episode of WW2 Wayfinder I take a look at the M43 uniform and some of the equipment used by paratroopers and glider infantrymen of the 101st Airborne during their time on the line at Bastogne durng the Battle of the Bulge.

It won"t cover every piece of uniform or equipment (it would be a huge episode if it did and I could only bring what I could carry!) and it also won't discuss the weapons used - there are already scores of videos on YouTube about that by people who can demonstrate them in action and that can also have a negative impact on my channel due to YouTube guidelines! Just know, I would if I could!!!!

#bastogne #easycompany #bandofbrothers #battleofthebulge #history #ardennes #wwii #ww2 #ww2wayfinder #paratroopers #101stairborne #101stairbornedivision #germanyarmy #snow

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[georgeharsin]

The amount of research that you put into your videos is remarkable. Went to Bastogne, Dachau, Berchtesgaden, and Normandy a few months ago and watching your videos beforehand gave me a better understanding of what I was seeing. Thank you.

[RedRuffinsore]

My father joined the line as a replacement rifleman in Luxembourg as the Bulge was starting to be collapsed. Until the end of his life, he talked about how cold it was. He said he broke into a woodsman's shed and stole a pair of thigh length felt boots (waterproof) as he was in foxholes in the snow that had a foot of water in the bottom. He said the Germans would shoot anyone captured while wearing non-uniform clothing, but he said he would rather be shot than to get rid of those boots.

[projecttwentytwentyfiveisgreat]

My grandfather was at Bastogne. He pulled a long wool coat off a dead krout. Cut the sleeves of and wore them on his lower legs as gaiters. Pulled his reguler m43 over the krout coat to not get shot. It worked. He made it.

[TheCatBilbo]

Truly excellent video, as ever. The problem with cold is when you're stuck in it for days...weeks, with no prospect of relief. That saps morale very quickly & you struggle to do anything other than exist.

You can endure if you know that in 'X' hours you'll get warmer, have a fire, hot food & drink, dry clothes etc. The poor guys so often didn't know & endured awful conditions - plus, the prospect of having to fight for their lives.

[cyndiebill]

I get the layerings. I do it everyday in the winter. I’m a farmer so I know how cold it can be when there is snow on the ground. Great video. Thank you.

[dogface]

Back in the day with E/506th living history unit at the annual Battle of the Bulge reenactment at Fort Indian Town GAP, PA, We had many of the org Troopers from Easy co and a few other units attend the event and hang for the saturday night Prop Blast Bash in the barracks. They would check us on our kit before we went out at time. for example my squad was about to go Walking Out in our M43's Wild Bill comes over looks at us and says "wear r your belts?" then he comes over to me "now Sarg, every trooper in my squad had german belts knives and pistols, and we wore them around base to scare the newbies" w/ a smile. so we scrambled to get some of the items and went back to have him look us over. Bill gave us a smile "Now your looking like we did" then he added "don't forget your swagger, as he lifted his beer with a smile.

[OldMusicFan]

I went to US Army Basic in 84. It amazing how close my equipment was to the gear issued 40 years earlier. Steal pot, web gear, canteen and cup & e tool. Only difference was BDUs, ruck and M16A1

[bobleicht]

In regard to the Corcoran boot, Bill Mauldin did a cartoon of two officers eyeing a worn-out airborne soldier in some town; caption said “It’s best not to talk to paratroopers about saluting; they always ask where you got your jump boots.”

[Redmist]

As we say here in the US, to use a baseball term, you "hit that one outta the park." Very well done and super informative. I really do look forward to seeing what you have in store with your uploads!
That said, I love the M43 jacket. I have an M65, a derivative, in woodland camo. Not sure how far back my item was issued. I bought it surplus and wear it every chance I get. It's great on 50F temperatures and with the button in liner will make you sweat bullets on the coldest days if you're not outside. I love it to death and get compliments all the time from others. I'm in my 50s and they'll probably have to bury me in it! :)😂

[fazole]

From reading 101AB vet, Don Burgett's excellent book, "Seven Roads To Hell", the troopers were actually given wool overcoats to wear to Bastogne, but were then ordered to leave them behind because they would interfere with movement. Another soldiers account tells of his feet freezing and getting trenchfoot because the boots absorbed water. No one had or seemed to know about putting dubbing compound on the boots. Trenchfoot was a huge problem in the US sectors of the ETO.

[chrispig]

This is the best channel for this subject, you put the viewer right there in the field with those guys.

[ThomasDrehfal]

Probably the best and most thorough description by item of their kit that I have ever seen - Bravo!

[nonamesplease]

I just discovered your channel a short time ago. I'm glad I did. As a living historian, I appreciate the research and the investment of time and money that goes into presenting us with examples of the articles of clothing and equipment the men actually used and the travel to historic sites. Keep up the great work!

[gmb]

My uncle was 101st Airborne 506 Charlie Company- one of the "battered bastards of Bastogne." The Airborne had participated in Operation Market Garden and were headed back to Paris for R&R after 6 months of front line battle, including a trip back to London. They were still in their "summer clothes" without heavy winter gear or provisions. They were low on ammo, low on rations and low on energy. Ordered to divert to Bastogne, the winter storm locked them in from receiving air support.

I asked him if they felt desperate. He replied, "no, we knew there were 4 million Allied on the ground in Europe and it was only a matter of holding out." He didn't go deep into the stories but said that guys were improvising in the defense of the town. He spent his 19th Christmas (he had lied to enlist) in Bastogne drinking a cold cup of soup and eating a wafer. He smoked his last cigarette that day until the skies cleared and the planes parachuted supplies to the town. He said he still remembered, 50 years later, how cold it was and remembered sleeping in 6 inches of snow in a foxhole.

[brakelr]

Legit. You and SNAFU docs ...I gotta tell ya that the passion and appreciation of the US Gi you both express is very much appreciated. My Grandfathers and great uncles would be very grateful. Have a Merry Christmas🤙😎🤙

[afewminutesofhistory]

Fantastic video as always mate.

Unbelievable research and videography. I’ve been cold in the military, but I can’t imagine how cold it was in December’44 wearing that, and having the Germans shelling you!

[garychiuminatto]

My dad was in the battle of the bulge. Your discription of the boots matched his with one difference. He said they were rough leather, like suede on the outside. Maybe they were supposed to get some kind of waterproofing to treat them with but dad said they didn’t get any and the boots just sucked up the moisture and consequently froze on you feet. My dad had frostbite on 3 or 4 of his toes. He didn’t loose them, but he blamed the boots for not being waterproof.

[gillianshort]

Very interesting. I’m pleased to see the uniform was improved. Enjoy your trip.

[firstcitytraveler]

Another very informative video. There are no other vloggers who do as much research as you do. Great work.

[marthaterhune]

Congratulations on over 100, 000. Well deserved.