Joining the Ranks Booklet - WWII Tri-Service Recruitment Reproduction
Military Clothing Size Guide (Click to Expand)
Military clothing sizes are listed as Height / Chest (for jackets and smocks) or Height / Waist (for trousers).
Example: 180/96 fits someone around 5'11" tall with a 38" chest.
| NATO Size (Label) | Approx Height | Chest / Waist (in) | Generic Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 / 88 | 5'3"–5'5" | 34–35" | Small (S) |
| 170 / 88 | 5'7"–5'9" | 34–35" | Small (S) |
| 170 / 96 | 5'7"–5'9" | 37–38" | Medium (M) |
| 180 / 96 | 5'10"–5'11" | 37–38" | Medium (M) |
| 180 / 104 | 5'10"–5'11" | 40–41" | Large (L) |
| 190 / 96 | 6'2" | 37–38" | Medium (M) Tall |
| 190 / 104 | 6'2" | 40–41" | Large (L) Tall |
| 180 / 112 | 5'11" | 43–44" | X-Large (XL) |
| 190 / 112 | 6'2" | 43–44" | X-Large (XL) Tall |
| 200 / 120 | 6'4"+ | 46–48" | 2X-Large (2XL) |
⚙️ Sizing Tips
- The first number is your height in cm.
- The second number is your chest or waist in cm.
- Military gear is usually cut roomy for layering and movement.
- If you’re between sizes, go down for a closer fit or up for layering.
- Example: 5'11" tall with 40" chest → 180/104 (Large).
This reproduction is a faithful replica of the official guidance booklet issued to prospective recruits during the Second World War. Covering the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, this manual provides a factual, no-nonsense breakdown of what a volunteer or conscript could expect upon enlistment. It serves as a practical historical record of the logistical and financial incentives used by the British state to mobilise the nation's manpower between 1939 and 1945.
Product Specifications & Features
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Authentic Tri-Service Data: Provides original details on pay scales, food allowances, and the duration of basic training for all three branches of the Armed Forces.
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Period-Correct Format: A staple-bound booklet designed to mirror the size and paper quality of the original government-issue recruitment literature.
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Factual Content: Includes technical details on service conditions, trade specialities, and the progression from recruit to active service.
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Service-Issue Quality: Printed on durable, era-appropriate paper stock that replicates the texture of 1940s official stationery.
Key Historical Insights
This booklet serves as a primary-source archive of the British military's administrative standards:
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Wages & Benefits: A realistic look at the daily pay for various ranks and trades, providing a direct comparison of the financial reality of the "King's Shilling."
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Rations & Accommodation: Details the standard of living, diet, and quarters provided to servicemen and women, reflecting the logistical scale of the war effort.
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The Training Pipeline: Outlines the rigorous transition from civilian life to the specialised skills required for the Navy, Army, and RAF.
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Service Choices: Illustrates how the government presented the various branches to ensure a balanced distribution of skilled labour across the military.
Realistic Use Cases
In keeping with our army surplus UK standards for functional historical gear, this booklet is intended for:
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Historical Reenactment: An essential, period-correct accessory for those portraying recruits, training officers, or personnel at a mobilisation centre.
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Educational Instruction: A practical tool for schools and museums to demonstrate the economic and social reality of "joining up" during WWII.
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Living History Displays: Ideal for set dressing in recruitment office or barracks exhibits to show the actual information given to new enlistees.
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Genealogical Research: A factual resource for those looking to understand the specific conditions and training their ancestors underwent upon entering the service.
Condition Note: This is a high-quality modern reproduction. It is designed for active handling and study, offering a realistic look and feel where an original 85-year-old enlistment booklet would be far too fragile for regular use.
Domestic Shipping
We mainly use Royal mail 48 for items under 1kg and DPD for items over this weight. We may change this at any time dependant on service availability and destination.
We send out the majority of orders the same day of receiving upto 1pm
We also offer an express shipping service which ensures your delivery is prioritised for delivery as quick as possible and usually delivered the next working day.
We do offer Saturday delivery and timed delivery but prices are on application.
For US and Canada we mainly use Fedex priority and deliveries are usually recieved within 2 to 5 days
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Rest of the World, we have availability with all the major carriers and each is nominated dependant on the best service for the receivers destination.
If you can not get an automated shipping quote please contact us for a spot shipping quote.
If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, we're here to help.
You have 7 calendar days to contact us and arrange for the item to be returned which will be received by us no longer than 30 days from initial order. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused (if applicable) and in the same condition that you received it. Your item must be in the original packaging (if applicable).
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Once we receive your item, we will inspect it and notify you that we have received your returned item. We will immediately notify you on the status of your refund or exchange and if applicable we will initiate a refund via your original method of payment.
If you opt for an exchange we will contact you for further postage costs. (price dependant on weight/destination).
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