These are original, British Army issue Face Veils.

Originally issued from 1942 to Airborne and Commando troops during WW2, then to Snipers, eventually (post war) these were on general issue to all British 'teeth arm' (fighting) troops until the 1990's. Still in limited service, their use now seems confined to Reconaissance troops and snipers and they are no longer issued to all personnel.

The face veil is a versatile piece of equipment. It consists of a lightweight, woven, open net, made from a cotton material. Measuring 48 inches (1m22) square and coloured olive drab (shades vary), it was usually worn around the neck, rolled up as a scarf or cravat (very warm and it stopped the collars of the dreaded KF shirt from rubbing the neck raw!). When required it can be shaken out and worn draped over the head or body as a personal camoflage net, wrapped around equipment (such as a sniper rifle) to break up the outline, or hung over windows or bunker slits to cover any movement within. The design has not changed since they were first introduced, although originally the were issued in a continuous 48" wide roll, which the unit Quartermaster would cut into 48" lengths as required for issue. Laterly they have been issued already cut to size.

The face veils offered here are original and unissued, and are a mix of cut from roll and individually made ones.

Unit of sale; 1 face veil 48 inches x 48 inches (1m22 x 1m22).

NATO Stock Number; CG/8415-99-127-8852

Stock No; SNIPER22.