U.S. Army Engineer Special Brigade Uniform

Omaha Beach, Normandy France 1944

The Engineer Special Brigades or ESBs were organized in England from existing Engineer Combat Groups to support the landings and subsequent supply operations over Omaha Beach during the Normandy Landings. The ESB Engineers found themselves helping out the assault troops in the early fighting for Omaha Beach. The uniform set shown above is from the 5th or 6th ESB unit that fought in the DOG and CHARLIE sector of Omaha Beach Normandy. The M-1 flex bail helmet has the 5th/6th ESB white arc painted over the ESB insignia. A black rubber M-5 Assault gas mask is suspended from the soldiers neck. This soldier wears a Flannel OD issue shirt under his M-1941 Field Jacket. His M-1928 khaki Haversack supports a M-1923 M1 Garand Cartridge Belt, M-1916 Pistol Holster with M-1911 .45 cal. Pistol, three M-1 Fragmentation Hand Grenades and One CN-DM Gas Hand Grenade. Around the waist of this soldier is the USN made Duel Type Invasion Life Belt. Additionally this soldier carries two spare bandoleers for 8 clips of .30-06 M1 Rifle ammunition.

Reverse view of the ESB uniform showing a white horizontal band on the rear of the M-1 Helmet for NCO’s (Non Commissioned Officers). The reverse of the M-1923 Haversack shows the M-1 Bayonet with M-7 Scabbard on the left side, M-1910 Entrenching Tool with carrier and stowed M-1942 Mess Kit. Suspended from this soldiers M-1923 Cartridge Belt is a M-1910 Canteen and a M-1942 First Aid Kit. On the left side of the ESB uniform is a bag that contains Demolition Chain Blocks of M-1 High Explosive.

Close up shot of the ESB uniform with the Demolition Bag being show.

Close up shot of the ESB insignia worn on the left shoulder.