Denison smock worn by Sergeant S W Scott, No. 3 Commando, 1944

Named after its designer, Major Mervyn Dennison, the Denison smock was first introduced for use by airborne forces in 1941. It was designed to be worn over a soldier's battle dress and under his jump smock.

No. 3 Commando, formed in July 1940 from volunteers who were mostly veterans of Dunkirk, took part in the 1941 raids on the Lofoten Islands and Vaagso in Norway, as well as Dieppe in 1942. In 1943 they fought in Sicily and Italy before returning to Britain to join 1st Commando Brigade, landing in Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944. Withdrawn after 83 days, the Brigade returned to Europe in January 1945, spearheading the crossing of the Rhine and the pursuit to the Elbe, after which they remained in occupational duties until disbandment in 1946.