Here is my rendition of the US Navy’s “SeaBee’s” working uniform while working on the Henderson Field airstrip on Guadalcanal in December 1942 and on into 1943. It was based off of original home footage shot by the men themselves.
Background:
The US Navy did not have construction men in its’ ranks at the start of the war. Later on after enlisting a number of veteran construction men, the Navy formed CB’s or Construction Battalions. These men were to military trained to build, and fight. Prior to this, the government was forced to use contractors, or civilians, for their construction needs. After the creation the NCB units, the nickname “SeaBee’s” came from the initials, and thus a legend was born. Made famous by John Wayne in the movie “The Fighting Seabees”, the unit became well known.
Equipment
Here I am wearing the US Army “1st Pattern” coveralls, USN issued white underwear (off white “T-shirt” and boxers), USMC field shoes. Equipment consists of a period hammer, M1917 National Army produced WW1 belt, M1910 first aid pouch, P1 USMC canteen cover. Helmet consists of the early McCord shell with “Hawley” fibre liner shell issued very early on in the war as a stop gap.
Here is some reference material
Foxhole Fashion 
Reblogged this on Pacific Paratrooper and commented:
Jed has an excellent video of the creation of the SeaBees – to – Guadalcanal – and ending with the photo album put together by the men themselves.
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A really interesting look at an unusual topic. Thanks very much.
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I never gave much thought to the attire of servicement aside from standard issue uniforms. This article sparked my interest about more info. Thanks.
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Excellent reading, finally know where the name SeaBees came from, interesting to read that civilian contractors were actually used at the start of the war.
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Sent a link to your post to a patriot whose father served in the SWP as a Seabee. She also posted her father’s photos from those islands on flickr. If you are curious, her photo album is here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjs2LgVR
Made the Navy his career.
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Here is another goodie I found for when you get to the end of the war in Europe.
http://www.vintag.es/2015/06/astounding-color-footage-shows-bombed.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vintageeveryday+%28vintage+everyday%29
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There are movies, there are striking black and white images.
But there is nothing like seeing you–robust, hale, hearty–and having you here with us to tell the tales.
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No reply?
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Due to military commitments, and being short on time – i’m still figuring this thing out!
Cheers
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No problem.
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