British War Correspondents 1939

[Edward]

Asking for a friend who is soon to head out to France with British re-enactors, to take photos with a period camera. He wants to dress the part of a British war correspondent. We know that in the very early stages of the conflict in 39 they were stil unofficial, and were dressed as civilians, not uniformed. However, does this mean any seasonal / outdoor clothing from the period is appropriate, or is there something specific in style that is appropriate? Anyone know of ny photos, or re-enact this?

 

[Two Types]

I'm sure I've seen photographs of correspondents in France in 1939/1940. If i remember correctly their dress was dependent upon what they were doing. For example, if the King or politicians were visting they might be dressed more formally than if just out in the field visiting troops.

 

[Shangas]

As TT says, it's entirely dependent on what they're doing.

For example, in the 1930s, it was popular for foreign press in Berlin to set up shop in the famous Hotel Aldon...

I have a book full of events about what happened in the months, weeks, days and hours leading to WWII. And in it, there's quotes and letters from the British and American journalists stationed in Berlin, covering the political situation in the days leading up to war.

 

[J.W.]

Shangas, would you mind posting the title and author of the book?

 

[rjb1]

I reenact both US Signal Corps and civilian war correspondents here in the US and have as big a library as I can find on the subject. One book that might be useful if you can find it in time is: "The Warcos: The War Correspondents of WWII" by Richard Collier. It was published in Britain so it does have a good amount of material on the British correspondents (names, papers, etc.). (Some photos, but not as many as one would like.)
Once they got into combat (or near it) war correspondents wore standard uniforms and equipment of the various armies - minus rank insignia. In the early days of the war, US correspondents were supposed to wear a green arm band with a big "C" on it. They soon learned that having any distinguishing features that would attract attention (and gunfire) was not a good idea and they tried to look as unobtrusive as possible. (Find a photo of Ernie Pyle and you'll see what I mean.)
For dress occasions US correspondents wore standard officer's uniforms, again minus military insignia (except for the standard "US" collar insignia.)
From what I have seen here and there of the British correspondents and photographers, they followed similar policies as did the US ones.
"For example, if the King or politicians were visiting they might be dressed more formally than if just out in the field visiting troops." I have one picture of a British war correspondent with Churchill and Montgomery. The war correspondent is dressed better than they are. I have another of two British correspondents in the Western desert of North Africa and they look pretty ratty.
As one who has been doing that sort of reenactment for some time I would suggest that he could pick the role of a newspaperman who just happened to be there when the war broke out and then he would wear a period-correct civilian suit, fedora, and trench coat (with notebook and camera). Alternatively, if he had been out in the field for any length of time and anywhere near the front he would be wearing Army-standard uniform with no insignia.
Based on the procedures in place here he could go into the front lines if he has Army gear on, but would only be allowed to photograph and interview troops in the rear area if he was in civilian clothes.
Since I am a WWII-era camera collector I'm curious about what sort of camera he plans to use.

 

[Shangas]

Shangas, would you mind posting the title and author of the book?

Yes of course.

"OUTBREAK 1939: The World Goes to War" - Terry Chapman.

It covers the whole (or most of) 1939, from January all the way up to the start of war. It's a fascinating book. I purchased it on sale at a London bookshop.

 

[J.W.]

Thank you, much appreciated!

 

[Edward]

Thank-you, gentlemen: I will be sure to pass this on. Very useful information. Actually, I think I might well chase up those books for my own interest.