Help ID’ing 1903 Bandolier

**FinMC** · 02-03-2021, 12:20 AM

Hi, I recently picked up this 1903 bandolier. I can make out the maker as ‘Middlemore & Lamplugh Ld, 09.

However I don’t know what the other stamp is, I’m new to 03 equipment. The flaps on the pouches also don’t look like the flaps on other 03 bandolier’s I’ve seen online. Any information about this item I have here would be much appreciated.

**reneblacky** · 02-03-2021, 02:45 AM

Wish I could help, I only have the 90rnd version '15 UK made.
you've probably seen this site?

Pattern 1903 Bandolier Equipment Bandoliers

**FinMC** · 02-04-2021, 01:15 AM

No worries at all, and yes but thank you for the effort in replying.

Hopefully someone else can help, particularly with that secondary (not the makers) mark.

**Rescue190** · 02-04-2021, 01:25 AM

Good site Rene' I had not seen before. Very informative to me.
John

**William1** · 02-19-2021, 03:21 PM

That's a fantastic find!! The unit marking is for the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers, a prewar Territorial battalion. They were (I think) the only British infantry battalion to wear the 1903 equipment into action in WW1. There are photos of them waiting to land at Gallipoli, wearing this equipment. So your bandolier looks like a Gallipoli piece. I've never seen another one marked to this unit.

The flaps do look different from the usual and might have been cut down for a more dressy appearance.