Description
Physical description
pair of boots
mid calf green suede leather boots, with drawstring tops and full leather soles
Label
These suede leather anti-mosquito boots were a heavier and more expensive version of the canvas and leather boots previously issued to personnel in Burma and the Far East. In the event, they proved unsuited to prolonged jungle use or long marches and were considered to be more of a 'base' item. The majority of these boots appear to have been issued to RAF personnel. The boots tied with a 'drawstring' tape which secured the top against insects. As well as protection from mosquitoes, the leather did give a greater degree of defence against snakebites than had been the case with the earlier pattern. This pair of boots, which are virtually unworn, were issued to Captain Frederick 'Johnny' Johnson, Royal Engineers, in 1945. Captain Johnson was born in London on 20 July 1919 and served from 1940-1946. He was issued with the boots at a Depot at Diss, Surrey as he was assigned to the Nigerian Draft. However, Captain Johnson never got to Nigeria as by the time he arrived at the mobilisation depot, two days late, the draft had already left. He served in several theatres including India and was at the D-Day landings.
History note
These suede leather anti-mosquito boots were a heavier and more expensive version of the canvas and leather boots previously issued to personnel in Burma and the Far East. In the event, they proved unsuited to prolonged jungle use or long marches and were considered to be more of a 'base' item. The majority of these boots appear to have been issued to RAF personnel. The boots tied with a 'drawstring' tape which secured the top against insects. As well as protection from mosquitoes, the leather did give a greater degree of defence against snakebites than had been the case with the earlier pattern. This pair of boots, which are virtually unworn, were issued to Captain Frederick 'Johnny' Johnson, Royal Engineers, in 1945. Captain Johnson was born in London on 20 July 1919 and served from 1940-1946. He was issued with the boots at a Depot at Diss, Surrey as he was assigned to the Nigerian Draft. However, Captain Johnson never got to Nigeria as by the time he arrived at the mobilisation depot, two days late, the draft had already left. He served in several theatres including India and was at the D-Day landings.
Stamped on leather sole
8 (with a Broad Arrow) IX