Australian Felt Shoulder Pads for Pattern 37 Webbing Straps

[christek]

Hello Forum,
Thought I would share an interesting item and an example of its use.
Almost certainly Australian made, out of a very hardy material, I know I would rather one of these on my shoulder straps if I were carrying a heavy bag of war material

[Jerry B]

Interesting item I had not seen previously but it makes a lot of sense if your carrying an MG or Mortar parts or ammo etc

[AIF]

Yes mate Aussie made and issued although they are worn with the correct 37 pattern brace and not with a support strap as you have pictured, they were part of the 43 pattern jungle modified webbing although I don't think they saw a great deal of use. I do have a couple of pictures of them in use in New Guinea in 1943. They were also used as padding on the Aussie backboard set up as well.
Do you have a pair or just the one?

Cheers Luke.

[AIF]

I have a few sets all unissued but have seen a few used and worn single pads over the years as well.

[AIF]

Whoops left out the 2nd pic

[reneblacky]

Nice I always thought my set were from the Vietnam war period! cheers

[AIF]

Yeah mate, They were worn very early in Vietnam as part of the backboard.

[christek]

Great info, thanks Luke. I believe I have just the one, I have had for years never realizing what it was! Cheers.