Pattern 1940 Cavalry Web Equipment - Equipment Carriers
The Web Equipment, Cavalry Patt. '40 was entered into the List of Changes by List of Changes entry L. of C. §B9033, dated 16th February 1944. I am not sure exactly when W.E. cavalry Patt. '40 was put into service, but probably no later than 1941. The pattern was not entered into the List of Changes, however, until 1944, when the Pouches, basic, W.E. cavalry Patt. '40 were added to the Pattern. While this delayed entry into the L. of C. is unusual, it is not unique. Quite a few items didn't appear in the L. of C. until years after they entered use, and some, including Web Equipment, Pattern 1944, never were entered into the List at all.
Carrier, waterbottle, W.E. Patt. '40
The Carrier, waterbottle, W.E. Patt. '40 was introduced with the Web Equipment, Cavalry Patt. '40 by List of Changes entry L. of C. §B9033, dated 16th February 1944 as stores ref. A1/AA 5298. The carrier is a partial envelope inclosing the Water bottle, but it does not cover the full length of the bottle. The "V" shaped strap has a fastener crown that connects to the spigot on the body. There are two angled 1-inch chapes and buckles on the top rear. These connect to the horizontal strap extending from the left Cartridge carrier and to the Strap with keyway fitting. There is also a stud rivetted to the bottom of the bag. That connects to the to the keyway fitting on the right side of the Back adjustment strap. This example is maker marked "M.E. Co." and dated 1940.
Case, pistol, with ammunition pouch, W.E. Patt. '40
The Case, pistol, with ammunition pouch, W.E. Patt. '40 was introduced with the Web Equipment, Cavalry Patt. '40 by List of Changes entry L. of C. §B9033, dated 16th February 1944 as stores ref. A1/AA 5304. The pistol case itself is sized for the .38-inch revolver, and the ammunition pouch is sewn to it. Both pieces are sewn to a piece of 2 1/4-inch webbing with a double hook on one end and the loop part of the belt buckle on the other. The assembly forms the left side piece of the Waist belt. There is a four-bar buckle, with stud on the second bar down, at the top of the ammunition pouch, and a 1-inch horizontal strap extending to the rear. The Pistol Case is one of the W.E. Patt. '40 components that is practically unavailable on the collector's market. This example is maker marked "M.E. Co." and dated 1940. From the Richard Marshall Collection. Photographs © Richard Marshall 2008.
Case, binocular, with compass pocket, W.E. Patt. '40
The Case, binocular, with compass pocket, W.E. Patt. '40 was introduced with the Web Equipment, Cavalry Patt. '40 by List of Changes entry L. of C. §B9033, dated 16th February 1944 as stores ref. A1/AA 5303. The binocular case is stiffened with fiber and has a box lid. The compass pouch is similar to the ammunition pouch but is lined with felt. It is sewn to the binocular case. Both pieces are sewn to a piece of 2 1/4-inch webbing with a double hook on one end and the hook part of the belt buckle on the other. The fitments are similar to the ones on the Pistol case, but opposite hand. The Binocular Case is another one of the W.E. Patt. '40 components that is almost unavailable on the collector's market.
This example
is maker marked "M.E. Co." and dated 1940. From the Richard Marshall Collection. Photographs © Richard Marshall 2008.
