British 1944 pattern webbing equipment

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-22-2009, 08:45 PM

Hi Guys, over the years I have resisted the temptation to start collecting this pattern equipment. I had always thought "not really used, post war, etc." Well, over the past few years I have met two Airborne Veterans who were issued with this kit in the Far East in 1945, albeit after the Japanese surrender.

Then I was staying with my Pathfinder Vet friend Don Turner. I asked if he was ever issued with this webbing? He recalled the pattern and how you did not have to clean the buckles, but did not think he ever wore it? Well, we sat going through his photo albums and I found some great photos of it being worn by him and others in the XXI Indep Para Coy in Palestine in 1946.

So I began to collect this pattern kit. I have yet to find it all. Please post any you have.

I will start with the most basic item, the belt. The buckles idisplay well the the non reflective green annodised finish.

Cheers, Ade.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-22-2009, 08:46 PM

Mint unissued 1945 dated bayonet frog, nicely marked and dated.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-22-2009, 08:49 PM

Complete '44 pattern water bottle, cup and cover. Bought for £8.50 at a local antiques fair.

All dated 1945.

These proved to be very popular even after the introduction of the 1958 pattern webbing. Many soldiers carried these well into the 1980's if they could.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-22-2009, 08:51 PM

Another water bottle cover. Not marked at all.

The cover has an internal pouch in which is carried a water filter bag known as the "Milbank Bag" . Nicely marked and dated 1945

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-22-2009, 09:02 PM

Here is the basic set of '44 pattern webbing assembled.

Detail pics show the makers markings and date to the X straps. Note the design of these: much wider where they sit on the shoulders to help distribute the weight better, plus the extra strap as compared to the 1937 pattern cross straps.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-22-2009, 09:03 PM

The '44 pattern small pack.

Very different to it's 1937 pattern predecessor. The pack has no internal compartments and features a water proof lining. On the detail pic you can see the lining & maker and date markings. The pouch on the right side holds the mess tin. The web tab on the back flap can carry a shovel. The two straps hanging underneath the pack can be used to carry the poncho.

The "L" straps used to carry the pack itself, which can be seen on each side, are very similar in design to the 37 pattern though. These clip onto the ammo pouches.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-22-2009, 09:12 PM

44 pattern binocular case. Condition is very nice, dated 1946.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-22-2009, 09:14 PM

Here is one of Don's photos which has set me off on this new collecting venture. Don is on the right giving instruction on the PIAT. Note the packs, water bottles, etc.

I asked what the target was, but he could not remember.

Cheers, Ade.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-23-2009, 11:54 AM

Here are a few more items, althought these are not strictly speaking 44 pattern webbing, I will include here as they were designed for use in the same operational area which the webbing was designed for.

First off we have a large water carrier. This item was actually designed earlier and was first available to airborne forces. The early examples were khaki tan in colour and had a black plastic screw top. This later example was made in jungle green and has a more sturdy heavy alloy screw top.

**robin morley** · 10-23-2009, 12:46 PM

Hi Ade, I remember having a 44 pat waterbottle and cup on my webbing in Belize in 86, The cup was really usefull and could be used as a pot to heat water if needed.