Pattern 1925 Web Equipment - Set Displays
Blue-Grey Pistol Equipment
Except as noted below, the web equipment shown in these photographs is from the Karkee Web Collection, whilst the weapons and other items displayed are from the Terry Hawker Collection. Photographs © Terry Hawker and Cathy Davis, 2012.
Early Equipment for "Airmen armed with pistols"
As defined in A.M.W.O. 793 of 1927, W.E. Pattern 1925 included provision for "Airmen armed with pistols." The issue pistol for the R.A.F. at that time was the Pistol, Colt, automatic, .455", so the Holster, pistol, Colt is designed to accomodate that weapon, and the Carrier, magazine, pistol holds two spare Colt magazines. To be completely correct as issued in 1927, the Brace attachments should be the early type with a round loop. That type was not available, so the later version with a rectangular link has been substituted.
The first series of photos show the web equipment alone.
This series shows the equipment as used, complete with the pistol and accessories.
And finally, photos of the Pistol, Colt, automatic, .455" by itself.
Early Equipment for "Airmen armed with pistols" (modified for use with Pistol, revolver No. 2 Mk. I)
In 1938, the Pistol, revolver, No. 2, Mk. I was introduced for use by R.A.F. personnel armed with pistols. A.M.O. N.523 authorised a slight modification to the Holster, pistol, Colt, by adding a second spigot half to the body of the Holster. This allowed the flap to be closed at an angle, so that the grip of the larger pistol could be accomodated. The existing fastener was not removed. The Holster shown in these photos has had this modification. In addition, this A.M.O. introduced a new Pouch, ammunition, pistol, for use in conjunction with the new arm. Although the A.M.O. did not mention it, this new Pouch was actually a blue-grey version of the Pouch, cartridge, already in use by the Royal Navy, part of the pistol accoutrements of W.E. Pattern 1919. In Canada, the Holster modification was authorised by A.F.R.O. 253/1939.
The first series of photos show the web equipment alone.
This series shows the modified equipment as used, complete with the pistol and accessories.
As above, photos of the Pistol, revolver, No. 2, Mk. 1 by itself.
Unintended consequences - take another look at the Colt pistol used in the first series of photos above. Notice that about halfway down the rear of the grip, there is a small, semi-circular chip in the wood. Terry noticed this too, of course, but had no idea what caused it until he started to take these photographs. What he found was that the modification to the Holster authorised by A.M.O. N.523 left the rear of the newly added spigot half uncovered on the inside. As a result, when the modified Holster was used with a Colt automatic, the exposed brass portion rode against the pistol hilt, damaging the grip. Terry's pistol has obviously been carried in a modified Holster in the past.
Late Equipment for "Airmen armed with pistols"
We haven't yet found documentation of the change, but around 1933-35 the "cotton reel" type Holsters with wooden muzzle plugs were replaced by all webbing types. This seem to have been across the board, and affected not just Patt. '25, but all webbing Patterns in British service, including Private Purchase Equipment.
The first series of photos show the web equipment alone.
This series shows the equipment as used, complete with the pistol and accessories.
Late Equipment for "Airmen armed with pistols"
An original W.E. Patt. '25 Pistol Equipment belonging to P/O 902255 Baldwin, seen with the addition of a 1939 dated Haversack and a 1927 dated Water bottle carrier. The bottle in use at this time could have been either the WW1 blue enamelled, or as seen here, the khaki enamel introduced in 1939. Both would have been covered in khaki cloth - The blue cloth RAF water bottle was not introduced until after WW2, hence the need for a full sleeve Carrier with the 1925 Pattern equipment. Note the early pattern Brace attachments, still in service and issued with this set in 1941. In these photos, the Holster should be behind the Haversack, not in front of it. From the Chris Pollendine Collection, photos © Chris Pollendine 2012.
