The British soldier in WWII wore a very distinct and functional uniform. The regular infantry soldier and the airborne soldier both wore what was known as the Battle Dress uniform. They were issued two sets, one for Walking Out (dress), and one for combat.  This was a wool waist length blouse with a collar and two pockets on the breast. Around the waist there was an attached belt and buckle along with buttons on the inside that allowed one to attach his blouse to his trousers. His trousers were also wool and came up to the naval and worn with braces (suspenders). These consisted of a large map pocket on the left leg and a first field dressing pocket on the right upper thigh. At the bottom were straps and buttons that allowed you to "blouse" the trousers so that they would fit inside the anklets (leggings) better.  Under the battledress the soldier would wear a collarless shirt, button the top blouse button and clip the collar.  If he were an officer (like the Para at left) or later in the war, the top would be left open and a dress shirt and tie worn.

Above photo shows the minor differences between the P37 and P40 Battledress Blouses. The P37 pattern had pleated pockets, brass buttons which were covered, and the P40 had plastic buttons that were exposed and no pleats on the pockets.

Para Sten gunner with the Denison smock which was worn over the Battledress in the field.  Normally the jump helmet would be worn in action but behind the lines the para's would wear their distinct maroon beret.

Para Bren gun team and rifleman doing a live fire practice before a major operation.