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Jones' Pattern Equipment

Set Displays

The most complete set is currently on display in the Manx Museum, in a display commemorating the centenary of 1914. We have been promised better photographs in Spring 1915, when the display is re-organised. Meanwhile, their Curator, Matthew Richardson, has forwarded the colour photos below. The Cartridge Carriers have been exchanged left for right as, conventionally, the topmost pockets on a Cartridge Carrier are furthest from the wearer’s armpit. The short strap round the left Brace is a belt loop for the Entrenching Tool Head Carrier.

This is the first clear shot seen of a Jones Pattern Haversack. It is a modified Haversack, G.S. (Mark I.), which has had the shoulder sling cut down – on the rear one to just a few inches. A leather strap, with a buckle and chape sandwiched on top, are stitched to the stub of the Sling. These buckle around the belt, but can be buckled to the Brace loops, just visible behind the tunic shoulder straps. The E.T. Head Carrier is incorrectly attached, being both reversed left for right and inverted. The Head has to be extracted by the right hand, as with Patt. ’08 & ’14, etc. Collection Manx Museum. Photographs © Matthew Richardson, 2014.

This is a Northumberland Fusilier and just reveals the Haversack, folded flat and buckled round the belt. Both photos show the Brace with one-piece front straps. This is the only photograph, so far noted, where a water bottle (probably a Mark VI) and Haversack are being worn. Both are on short straps, which buckle around the waist belt. The arrangement for carrying a Sirhind Helve differs here, being a Carrier attached to the rear of the G.S. Frog. This connection may be permanent, or might be via a buckle on the carrier, fastening to a tab on the Frog. Photograph from the Carl Woods Collection.

The next pair of photos show the Suffolk Regiment (left) and a crop from the Cambridgeshire Regiment. Both have braces where the front straps are made separately, riveted and stitched to the flares. The reasons are perhaps for economy in the use of hides.

What we lack are contemporary photos of the full sets being worn, with water bottle, entrenching tool and haversack. Over to you, readers – what can you un-earth?

Rog Dennis July 2014