Leggings Canvas Dismounted
"Leggings, Canvas, Dismounted" are protective gaiters that were issued to American female personnel during World War II. The official designation was the M1938 Dismounted Canvas Leggings. They were worn over standard low-quarter service shoes and the lower trousers before tall combat boots became standard issue.
Function & Purpose
- Debris Protection: They prevented stones, mud, sand, and twigs from falling into the soldier's shoes.
- Snag Prevention: They kept loose trouser legs tight so soldiers wouldn't get caught on underbrush or barbed wire.
- Ankle Support: They bound tightly around the lower leg, offering extra support during long marches.
- Terminology: The term "Dismounted" specifically meant they were intended for foot soldiers (infantry), as opposed to "Mounted" cavalry troops who wore leather boots.
Design Features
- Material: Made of heavy-duty canvas (cotton). Early in the war, they featured the color Olive Drab #3 (light khaki/tan), which later changed to Olive Drab #7 (darker green).
- Fastening: They were secured via a system of metal eyelets and hooks on the outside, laced tightly with a cord. No longer present with this set.
- Under-Foot Strap: A durable fabric or leather strap looped directly under the heel of the shoe and buckled on the outside to prevent them from riding up.
The Soldier's Perspective
Although they were the defining trademark of the American "G.I." during World War II, they were widely detested by the troops. They were time-consuming to put on in a hurry, slow to remove, and remained heavy and cold for a long time when waterlogged. Furthermore, in the event of a leg wound, they were difficult to cut off quickly. In late 1944 and 1945, they were largely replaced by the M43 "Double Buckle" combat boot, which featured a buckled cuff integrated directly onto the boot.
