A book by Osprey
Publishing
Used with permission
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An item which is a little off the beaten military track, though in common use in any army is socks. Specifically the type that is worn on the feet. Heading the unusual list in this field must be the socks issued to Italian troops in World War Two.
The standard issue sock (for other ranks) was gray-green coloured, and wool knit, 24cm in length. The unusual feature about the socks was that they had no toe. The toe of the sock, so to speak, was a thin strip of sock, approximately 2cm wide and about 10cm long, which slipped between the big toe and the fourth toe. A piece of cloth called "Pezze da Piedi" (roughly translated piece over the foot) was used to wrap around the front of the sock.
The officers were also issued socks of a similar design, though of better quality and longer at 42cm. However, they used a variety with toes, bought privately or home made.
Why the socks were made like this, I am not sure. Never the less, it is an interesting piece of military hose. |
