Pattern 1940 Cavalry Web Equipment - Set Displays

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.

The set displays shown on these pages are here as the result of cooperation between several collectors of this scarce Web Equipment. It is EXACTLY this kind of cooperative spirit that has made Karkee Web a success so far.

 

W. E. Patt. '40 - Set for ranks armed with rifle

The Set for ranks armed with rifle includes the Back adjustment strap, both Cartridge carriers, Braces, Brace fitting, Straps with keyway fitting, Waterbottle carrier, and Haversack. All of the Patt. '40 components in these pictures are maker marked "M.E. Co." and dated 1940 except for the right Cartridge carrier, which is dated 1941.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These pictures show the Water bottle in Carrier, moved into the accessible position (far left). This is done unhooking the stud on the bottom of the Water bottle carrier from the keyhole fitting on the rear of the Back adjustment strap, then unhooking the keyhole fitting on the front of the Strap, with keyhole fitting, from the stud on the buckle at the top of the Cartridge carrier and allowing the Water bottle to fall to the side. To refit the Carrier into its carry positon, grasp the keyhole fitting at the shoulder (near right), refit it to the Cartridge carrier buckle, and then refit the stud on the bottom of the Carrier to the keyhole fitting on the Back adjustment strap. The Haversack is released and refitted in the same fashion, on the opposite side.

 

 

Another contemporary example of the Set for ranks armed with rifle. From the collection of Leigh McCann. Photos © Leigh McCann 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

W. E. Patt. '40 - Set for men armed with pistol

The Set for men armed with pistol includes the Back adjustment strap, the right Cartridge carrier, Braces, Brace fitting, and the Case, pistol, with ammunition pouch. All of the Patt. '40 components in these pictures are maker marked "M.E. Co." and dated 1940 except for the right Cartridge carrier, which is dated 1941.

 

 

 

 

 

W. E. Patt. '40 - Set for ranks carrying binoculars and compass

The Set for ranks carrying binoculars and compass includes the Back adjustment strap, the left Cartridge carrier, Braces, Brace fitting, and the Case, binocular, with compass pocket. All of the Patt. '40 components in these pictures are maker marked "M.E. Co." and dated 1940.