The official title for jumpers/sweaters like this is ‘1955 Pattern British Army Jumpers Heavy’. Earlier versions date back to the Boer War, though this version was first issued during World War Two and gained its nickname ‘Commando Sweater’ as it was much used by troops of that ilk. As usual there were several little alterations as the years went by, it seems that the cream shoulder & elbow pads were a later addition. Production ceased in the 1960s, so ours would appear to be one of the last having been made by Pick in 1967.

Pick knitwear, makers of this garment, have an interesting history beginning life in Leicestershire back in the 1800s making knitwear primarily from wool, this resulted in lucrative contracts with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) which continued until the 1960s. The number on the label above would be an MOD contract number, it also has the crows foot logo which appeared on all military gear of that era.

This one belonged to founder of our collection when he was a Royal Marine Commando back in the 1970s.