Original U.S. WWI Named Tank Corps Uniform Jacket & Trousers with Leg Gaiters - J. Poss Jr., 1st Tank Brigade

Original Item. Only One Set Available. The Tank Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces was the mechanized unit that engaged in tank warfare for the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) on the Western Front during World War I. Brigadier General Samuel D. Rockenbach, as the Chief of Tank Corps for the American Expeditionary Forces under Pershing, organized, trained, equipped and then deployed the first American tank units to the Western Front of 1918 Europe. An initial plan for 2,000 light Renault FT tanks and 200 heavy British Mark VI tanks was changed to 20 battalions of 77 light tanks each and 10 battalions of 45 heavy tanks each. A total of eight heavy battalions (the 301st to 308th) and 21 light battalions (the 326th to 346th) were raised, but only four (the 301st, 331st, 344th and 345th) saw combat.

This is a lovely summerweight uniform set for a private in the Tank Corps. The trousers have the name J. POSS JR. written inside, and the set came with a small tag reading J. Poss Jr. 1st Tank Brigade. We have been unable to identify the set, but the name will make for a good research project.

The jacket has a great wool Tank Corps patch on the left shoulder with one overseas chevron on the left cuff. There are US & Tank Corps collar discs, the latter being a rare example. 

The included gaiters have good wear and maker’s marks but they are too worn to read.

A great tank corps uniform set, ready for further research and display!