Uniforms of the "Korps Pontonniers and Torpedisten".
The Pontonniers Uniform:
Below you can see a Pontonniers uniform from the mobilization period in the Netherlands. It is a field gray jacket with the characteristic anchor emblem of the Pontonniers displayed on the collar, along with two red trims above and below it. The two stars on either side indicate that the jacket belonged to a First Lieutenant of the Pontonniers. The jacket has four pockets, and the fabric clearly shows that it is an outer cut uniform, as opposed to the coarser wool uniform typically worn by enlisted personnel and often by non-commissioned officers.
Officers were entitled to a reimbursement for the purchase of an "buitenmodel" uniform. They also had a higher salary to cover the costs of such a purchase. This is one of the reasons why there are still many "buitenmodel" uniforms found today, while there are very few coarse wool uniforms. The latter had to be turned in by Dutch soldiers during the occupation and were eagerly reused and converted by the Germans into German-style uniforms. The "buitenmodel" uniforms often remained in private possession. This jacket is an example of that. Unfortunately, the jacket does not have a name attached to it. In the photos below, two display options can be seen: one with the field gray cap and one with a helmet. In many cases, officers could also wear a kepi.
The field gray cap with gold trim was for officers and was the same for every service branch or specialty. The cap features an Orange Lion emblem.
The next photo shows the Dutch helmet with its characteristic lion plate. The helmet was generally the same for all soldiers and did not have any characteristic features indicating the rank of an officer, as can sometimes be seen in other countries. The helmet would be worn in combat situations. Additionally, a "Sam Brown" belt with saber or cutlass carrier can be seen. The belt was designed for officers and was of the same model as those worn by British officers. The saber or cutlass carrier, as the name suggests, provided a place to carry a saber or cutlass.
Update May 12, 2020:
We have successfully set up a complete mannequin. Below are the photos:
The mannequin represents a First Lieutenant of the Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedisten in May 1940. In the first four photos, he is wearing his combat helmet. The lieutenant has inserted a map of Dordrecht into his left breast pocket. Over his uniform, he is wearing the standard "Sam Brown" belt worn by officers of the pre-war Dutch army. Attached to the belt, he has various items. Firstly, his M25 pistol holster, which would normally contain the FN Browning pistol. This was a standard weapon among Dutch officers as well as non-commissioned officers. Pontonnier officers were often equipped with older revolvers. Next to his holster is the magazine pouch, which holds two magazines. On his hip, he carries the cutlass ( Klewang ) . Although this weapon was primarily used within the Royal Dutch East Indies Army (KNIL) as a means of navigation through the jungle, the cutlass had a more traditional character in the European Dutch army. Nevertheless, during the May 1940, many Dutch officers and non-commissioned officers wore the cutlass. There is even a story known of a Dutch soldier who used it to fight German soldiers here on the Grebbeberg.
Upon closer examination, we can see that the trousers have a different color than the jacket, which was not uncommon. Usually, the outer cut uniform was purchased as a set, and its color would match. However, the trousers were often subject to more wear and tear, which sometimes required the purchase of additional trousers. It was not always guaranteed that the same color trousers could be acquired. These trousers also have a red trim, just like the jacket, which is customary for officers. The lieutenant is wearing gaiters over his trousers, while enlisted personnel typically wore puttees or leg wraps. Beneath his gaiters, we see black shoes. These were often privately purchased by the soldiers, for which they received a reimbursement.
In the photos below, you can see that the officer has exchanged his helmet for his field cap. Additionally, he is holding an open pack of Dutch Amateur cigarettes in one hand. In the other hand, he is holding one of the cigarettes. The mobilization period was a time when almost every adult man smoked, either a pipe or cigarettes.
Update July 22, 2021:
Several adjustments have been made to the composition of the above mannequin. A study of various photos of the Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedisten revealed that the (sub)officers of this corps were generally equipped with the M1873 revolver instead of the M25 pistol. Therefore, the M25 holster set has been replaced with an M1873 revolver set. Additionally, a gas mask pouch with a gas mask (Type G) has been added to the mannequin. Finally, a camera and a pair of glasses have been included to enhance realism. You can find the photos below.
First Lieutenant, Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedistsen.
Here you can find the uniform of a First Lieutenant of the Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedisten. The uniform has some differences compared to the First Lieutenant previously posted on this page. The jacket, trousers, two peak caps, and kepi all belonged to the same person. The shoes, gaiters, belt, saber, and helmet have been added to complete the ensemble.
The jacket still has a name label, but unfortunately, the name is no longer readable. The First Lieutenant of the Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedisten depicted at the top of the page is equipped for field or combat. With this uniform, the choice has been made to depict a wearing style for a more ceremonial occasion. Interestingly, the uniform is quite large in size. While it is usually a problem to fit Dutch uniforms on a mannequin, this uniform is actually still a bit too big. This is not common for Dutch uniforms, suggesting that the wearer of the uniform was a large man for his time. For the portrayal of the uniform, a photo from the image bank of the Regional Archive Dordrecht was used as inspiration: This photo shows the command transfer from Lieutenant-Colonel Valliant to Lieutenant-Colonel Mussert at the Pontonniers barracks. See the photo.
On the right side of that photo, there is a First Lieutenant of the Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedisten with a saber in hand. He is wearing the so-called "Jeneverkruis" - a medal for faithful service for officers.
The first three photos above provide a nice representation of the First Lieutenant wearing his "Kepie". The Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedisten did not have a regimental number on the cap. Instead, they wore a Dutch lion on the cap or side cap. The officer wearing the saber on the officer's belt is carrying a Yzerhouwer saber. The Klewang sword was generally worn in the field and also during May 1940, while the saber was worn more for ceremonial occasions.
On the chest of the uniform, there is an Officer's Cross for faithful service. In this case, it represents 25 years of service. The cross was also known as the "Jeneverkruis" because, traditionally, a glass of Jenever (a Dutch liquor) was shared during its presentation. The fourth photo shows the officer wearing his helmet. This photo indeed bears the most resemblance to the photo from the regional archive. In the photos below, a closer look is taken at the jacket and cap. Here, you can clearly see the two stars on the collar of the jacket, indicating the rank of First Lieutenant, as well as the anchors of the Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedisten.
Children's uniform Corps of Pontonniers and Torpedistsen.
This special uniform was created during the mobilization period for a child. It was completely crafted in the same way as the daily uniform made for Dutch soldiers during the mobilization. It consists of a full set with a jacket, pants, and a hat. The jacket features two chest pockets and what are known as "banana peels" on the sleeves indicating the rank of sergeant. The jacket is adorned with the same Dutch lion buttons as found on a pre-1940 Dutch military uniform. Non-commissioned officer emblems of the Army Maritime Engineer Corps are added to the collar. Even the pants are tailored in the same style as the daily uniform that was custom made by tailors to a standard model.
The uniform is particularly unique because it is very rare. A daily uniform was not exactly cheap to acquire during the mobilization period. It could cost between 40 and 60 gulden back in the day. Officers received an allowance to purchase such a uniform, but a soldier who had one made for their child, perhaps with the intention of playing in it, must have had a very good income for that time. In the photos below, we see the uniform on a child mannequin. It should give an idea of what it have looked like during that time.
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