uniforms and equipment

[wrbones]

http://militaryclothing.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Shelf/ASP/Hierarchy/05.html


http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/mcub/library/MCUR/URTOC.htm

[wrbones]

Brassey's History of Uniforms Series

A major series of books providing the most authoritative information on the uniforms and equipment worn by the great armies of the past. Each book is written by a noted authority on the subject and is lavishly illustrated with more than 150 color and black-and-white photographs, as well as artwork from leading military artists. An essential reference source for anyone with an interest in military history, collectors, wargamers and military modelers.




American Civil War: Confederate Army
Ron Field
$21.95, PB,
1-85153-218-X
Spanish-American War: 1898
Ron Field
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-272-4
World War One:
British Army
Stephen Bull
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-270-8 Napoleonic Wars: Wellington's Army
Ian Fletcher
$21.95, PB,
1-85753-221-X

American Civil War: Union Army
Robin Smith
$21.95, PB,
1-85753-219-8
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-174-4
English Civil War
Phillipp Elliot-Wright
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-211-2 World War One:
German Army
Stephen Bull
$32.95, HC,
1-57488-278-3 Brassey's Book of Camouflage: A History of Camouflage Uniforms
Tim Newark, et al $22.95, PB,
1-85753-273-2


Mexican-American War: 1846-48
Ron Field
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-210-4 Barbarian Warriors: Saxons, Vikings and Normans
Dan and Susanna Shadrake
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-213-9 Napoleonic Wars: Napoleon's Army
Rene Chartrand
$21.95, PB,
1-85753-220-1
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-183-3
Brassey's Book of Uniforms
Tim Newark
$34.95, HC,
1-85753-243-0

Master Modelers
Robin Smith
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-240-6 Roman Army: Wars of the Empire
Graham Sumner
$32.95, HC,
1-85753-212-0 Uniforms of the Civil War
Ron Field and Robin Smith
$43.95 CL,
1-85753-390-9

[wrbones]

Hello,

I'm very sorry for taking so long to reply. I've been out of state most of the last month, and I'm working my way through my messages this week!

There is not an extremely detailed USMC uniform history in print that I know of. There are many that concentrate on specific periods, and some general histories that are very good, but are not very detailed (if at all) on the whys and wherefores of uniform history.

Here are a few suggestions:

GI series #9 The US Marine Corps This is mainly a book of pictures with captions that explain different uniform items, background, dates of use, etc. Not exhaustive, but great pictures and info. (covers the 1800's to present.) A plus is these GI books a are about the cheapest reference books you will find, much better than the $50+ norm for reference books. Here is a link to this book through amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1853672890/strykerantiqu-20

GI # The Marines in WWII same size and format as above but covering WWII in more detail.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1853674265/strykerantiqu-20

US Marine Corps 1941-45 (Elite, No 59) Another publisher, these are formatted with text covering all aspects (not just uniforms), with photos, and with a set of color plates illustrating uniforms and equipment

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1855324970/strykerantiqu-20

US Marine Corps in WWI same series (Elite), same format, WWI period

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1855328526/strykerantiqu-20

This one is more pricey, but covers many aspects of the Corps very well, and has a really good section on Marine Corps uniforms 1775-present

http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=2181&sourceid=38200189&bfpid=0883631989&bfmtype=book


Jim Moran has two really detailed books, US Marine Corps Uniforms & Equipment in WW2, and US Marine Uniforms 1912-1940

The first has been out of print for a good while, and if found will usually run around $100 or more. The second one was just printed, but cannot generally be found on Amazon or other big book services. I believe its first run has also sold out already. try http://www.abebooks.com/ or other used book sources for these.

There is also a very old book, Uniforms of the American Marines, 1775-1829, by Edwin North McClellan First printed in the 20's or 30's by the Marine Corps, last reprinted 1982. Once again, a lot of searching involved with this one.

I hope this has helped as a starting point.

As to finding relatives, it's not the most accessible way, but probably the most efficient way of finding USMC relatives is the muster rolls at the MC historical center on the 2nd floor of the museum. I don't recall the number, but you can get it online http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/HD/Home_Page.htm, if you call ask to talk to archives and ask for a man named Bob Aquilina, he is extremely friendly and will be able to guide you in the right direction. I think the only way to locate anything would be to go through the muster rolls of various detachments and ships. They have these on micro film for all marine units and ship detachment from around 1890's up to I believe the late 1950's give or take a year. The historical center can also help with specific uniform questions.

Well, I have been longwinded, but I hope it makes up for making you wait so long for a reply. Please feel free to drop me a line or call anytime, I always love to talk to others interested in this stuff. I have most of the books mentioned above, so fell free to ask me any questions that may come up before you've finished building your library.

Semper Fi!
Brian .