Puttees? (1 Viewer)

[Whistlinghen]

Can anyone tell me what the advantages of puttees (as opposed to gaiters or leggings) were? My father wore them in the ROTC in the 1920's and complained that they always came undone at the wrong time, and as a moving wardrobe malfunction myself, I can only imagine what a nuisance they were. Thanks, Emily
P.S. I would like to suggest a "Uniforms" forum or sub-forum where I could ask (foolish) questions like this.

 

[binder001]

I've often wondered that myself. The Japanese used puttees through most of WW2. The only thing that I have heard about them is that they were easier to deal with in the mud of the Western Front. I noticed that the US Army had used leggings but switched to puttees for WW1.

Gary B.

 

[DCN1898]

Puttees were used because they were cheaper than high leather boots and lighter. They were supposed to protect the pant legs from thorns and general wear and tear. The U.S. originally issued canvas leggings in 1880's for campaign in the desert. Civil War leggings tended to be for dress uniforms and highly unpopular.
I can only imagine that the U.S. Army and Marines went to puttees in WWI due to the cost of supplying millions of men. A strip of cloth is easier to produce that leggings with hooks and eyes.

 

[binder001]

Good pint DCN. I know that some National Guardsmen still had high-collar jackets and puttees when mobilized in 1940. Bill Mauldin wrote that if you had them on right they cut off circulation to the legs but any looser and they all fell into a tangled mess at ones feet.

Gary B.

 

[trooper]

P.S. I would like to suggest a "Uniforms" forum or sub-forum where I could ask (foolish) questions like this.

Your question was not foolish, Emily, and I heartily support your suggestion regarding a "Uniforms" sub forum.