British army webbing wiki ww2. The webbing system used by the British Army today is known as personal load carrying equipment. S. The market for an infantry web equipment now sewn-up (woven-up perhaps Buy British Army Webbing World War II Militaria (1939-1945) and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay UK! Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items The War Office photo at left shows an early version of W. Very quickly, this was developed into their first success, the Mills-Burrowes Equipment, adopted by the British Army as the Pattern 1908 Web Infantry Equipment. During the 1930s the May 7, 2007 · A new basic pouch was designed to suit it and the 1937 pattern webbing was then excepted in June 1938. This led the British government to commission the leather industry to design an alternative. Our large range of pouches gives you the choice to match up your own MOLLE platform belt and yoke with a custom choice of pouches. It replaced the 1937 Pattern Web Equipment that had served the UK's Armed Forces through the Second World War and the first decade of the cold war. jpg From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository File File history File usage on Commons Discover authentic 37 Pattern Webbing at our Army Surplus store. Military Mission 220, or The Lethbridge Mission 1937 Pattern Webbing - Second World War 1939-45 1937 Pattern Webbing 1937 Pattern Web Equipment (also known as '37 Webbing' or P37 Webbing) was an item of military load-carrying equipment. Tysklandsbrigaden Armed Forces Museum (Forsvarsmuseet) Oslo 2020-02- 3083. Station Radio B44 – Short-range duplex AM set for artillery and anti-aircraft batteries. > In 1939, an Extra Long size was introduced for the belt. World War 1 WW1 and World War 2 WWII collectable webbing items including full webbing sets, belts, straps and accessories. 1 x 1937 webbing belt. 00 8 In Stock 03 Pattern leather belt Feb 29, 2020 · British Army Northern Ireland 30-litre Patrol Pack. The British Army had been mechanising steadily since the end of World War I and it had finally become obvious that the… Explore a wide range of authentic WW2 bags, packs, and webbing available for collectors and enthusiasts on Militaria Zone. The 1908 Pattern Web Infantry Equipment was an innovative type of webbing equipment adopted by the British Army before World War I. 1937 Jun 15, 2025 · If needed their khaki webbing was blancoed to the correct colour. In 1940 Aug 17, 2021 · We come to the final part of our series on the Evolution of British Webbing this week with the 1944 Pattern set. The attached pdf document contains 15 photographs of various items of US military webbing made by Wrights. '44, made in khaki web with bright metal (probably brass) fittings. You get 1 set of 2 This is a sampling of what your sets might look like. Military operations are covered in the United Kingdom Military Series, the United Kingdom Civil Series covers aspects of the civilian war effort and the Standard British army webbing set up, there is a vast array of webbing specific to requirements. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! May 27, 2024 · English: The German military webbing rig system comprises a belt and Y-strap harness (German: Koppeltragegestell aus Leder mit Hilfstrageriemen) specifically designed for carrying field gear and other equipment. The British army had faced the same problem in the First World War, when troops were deployed with the 1908 pattern webbing. The Danish Defence's close co-operation with the British Army of the Rhine in the 1950s created the interest in a similar belt for the Guard Hussar Regiment, which was introduced in 1968. Original British Army Web Belt Khaki Military WW2 WWII Size XL 1942 $46. 1944 Pattern Webbing was the standard webbing equipment that came into service at the end of World War II and in the post-war period up to the 1960s. Visible parts of his 1908 webbing in Battle Order are the haversack, which is being worn on the back in place of the valise, the entrenching tool carrier, the water bottle, and the ammunition pouches towards the front of his waist. The term is still used for a soldier's combat equipment, although cotton webbing has since been Mar 8, 2017 · Presented below is a set of Web Equipment, 1937 Pattern made between 1938 and 1940. Most of these -- extracted from the Quorn Village On-line The British were the first European army to replace leather belts and pouches with webbing, a strong material made from woven cotton, which had been pioneered in the United States by the Mills Equipment Company. In the 1980's the British army under took its most comprehensive re-equipment Contemporary colour photo of British paratrooper, showing webbing treated with KG3 blanco, which appears to be wearing off, showing the raw webbing underneath. Co. During the War, the Browning Mk 1 was being made in Canada, by Inglis, for contracts let by the Chinese Nationalists. Officially also known as Web Equipment, 1937 Pattern, WE '37 was made of the same light khaki coloured cotton webbing that the early 1908 Pattern had been made from. Post WW2 1945-1950s British battle dress, blouse webbing M37 (web equipment) belt crosstraps ammunition pouches anti-gas respirator etc. The finest collection of UK Forces regimental webbing belts - The Rifles Belt, Royal Anglian Regiment Belt, PWRR Belt, RAMC Belt. Blanco became widely used throughout both world wars. Is. It was first used by the British Army to whiten Slade Wallace buckskin leather equipment, and later adapted to coloured versions for use on the cotton Web Infantry Equipment, Pattern 1908 webbing. It replaced the 1908 Pattern and 1925 Pattern—on which it was based—and was standard issue for British and Commonwealth troops from its introduction in 1937, throughout World War II, and in the post-w The military history of the United Kingdom in World War II covers the Second World War against the Axis powers, starting on 3 September 1939 with the declaration of war by the United Kingdom and France, followed by the UK's Dominions, Crown colonies and protectorates on Nazi Germany in response to the invasion of Poland by Germany. The design of the belt would be based on the colours Established as an English company in 1906, the Mills Equipment Company (M. From the 1908 Pattern Webbing to the modern PLCE (Personal Load Carrying Equipment), each iteration has reflected advancements in warfare, materials, and soldier requirements. Jul 6, 2021 · The Evolution of British Webbing (Part 1)- 1903 Pattern Today we start a major new series covering the development of British load carrying equipment across the first half of the twentieth century. During World War II, the personal combat items (Kampfausrüstung) included essential items such as: Mess tin (Essgeschirr) U. It was designed to replace the earlier 1937 Pattern Webbing and was an improvement in terms of design and usability. It was more portable than larger mortars, and had greater range and firepower than rifle grenades. Army Infantryman in 1942 wearing a M1917A1 helmet From 1936, the Mark I helmet was fitted with an improved liner and an elasticated, sprung webbing chin strap. 99 Box of Blanco blocks on display at the Imperial War Museum North Blanco was a compound used primarily by soldiers throughout the Commonwealth from 1880 onwards to clean, colour (and thus camouflage), and waterproof their equipment as well as reduce its stiffness. Three large pockets were attached to the Within the British Army, four decades on, it is rather less clear quite who actually needed a Holster cum shoulder stock. '37, as introduced in L. Superior quality regimental belts featuring webbing in regimental colours and Brass Buckle. Patt. Mar 11, 2025 · British military webbing has played a vital role in equipping soldiers for combat, ensuring they have accessible storage for essential gear. Rear pouches of a Sierra Leonean soldier's 1958 web equipment 1958 pattern web equipment[1][2] was a modular A British soldier in France during the Battle of the Somme, 1916. 1937 Pattern Webbing was made from cotton webbing, which was waterproofed and dyed before being woven BRITISH WEBBING ITEMS from Britton at WarHOME ONLINE SHOP SHOWS & EVENTS NEW ITEMS SOLD CONTACT LATEST NEWS 1 2 3 6 Next 1 to 45 of 227 items Back up a level In this part 4 of our multi part series of Web equipment of the British Army. Replaced the WS No. May 18, 2007 · The equipment set that the Canadian Army began to employ in 1939, called 1937 Pattern Web Equipment had already been made standard in the British Army two years before. This picture is reproduced on page 233 of Brian Davis's British Army Uniforms & Insignia of World War Two, and is used with his gracious permission. WW2 webbing allows you to carry extra ammo, your water bottle, medical kit and pistols. Campaigns generally refer to broader strategic operations conducted over a large bit of territory and over a long period. The British army used canvas ’37 pattern webbing for 47 years from 1938 to Blanco was a compound used primarily by soldiers throughout the Commonwealth from 1880 onwards to clean and colour their equipment. It is made of 2 1/4-inch wide "flat loop" belted webbing, with brass fittings. com 1937 Pattern Web Equipment (also known as '37 Webbing') was an item of military load-carrying equipment. After a series of setbacks, retreats and evacuations, the Feb 11, 2024 · M Wright and Sons Ltd of Quorn produced American webbing alongside British military webbing during WW2. It was still too tight, either for insertion or extraction of the plastic bottle and the easy-to-use turn-button closure was now a fiddly strap and buckle. There were enormous stocks of 1908 Pattern equipment in stores, and the British government was reluctant to invest in developing a replacement. of C. The uniforms of the British Army currently exist in twelve categories ranging from ceremonial uniforms to combat dress (with full dress uniform and frock coats listed in addition). The main pocket is 16 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 18 inches high, with a small internal pocket. Battledress was introduced into the British Army just before the start of the war and worn until the 1960s. Station Radio A42 – British copy of the US AN/PRC-9. The following description of the evolution and development of… Original British Army 44 Pattern Webbing Belt Brace Extender Pair £6. It includes current equipment such as small arms, combat vehicles, explosives, missile systems, engineering vehicles, logistical vehicles, vision systems, communication systems, aircraft, watercraft, artillery, air defence, transport vehicles, as well as future equipment and equipment being May 1, 2023 · There are many commanders’ webbings dating back to the First World War. This set was originally intended to be used by all infantry, however it came to be used almost exclusively by those in the jungle. Shop for British WW2 webbing with Soldier of Fortune and buy a bottle of Blanco to ensure your webbing is clean and presentable to your General. WW2 British gaiters webbing material with leather straps and metal buckles . ) experienced disappointment with its first full web pattern, Wise-Twigg Equipment. This copy of the first set of Fitting Instructions for W. P44 items are made of a softer, lighter material than Pattern 37 webbing and aluminum buckles for additional weight savings. It continued to be used in the postwar era until the early 1980s Thirty-two of these formations were to come from the British Army, and rest from the armies of the British Dominions (for example, the Canadian Army) and the British Indian Army. A new basic pouch was designed To suit. Check out our ww2 webbing selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our militaria shops. [1] Blanco Regimental Belts. a) Much of it was used up during the course of the war and throughout the postwar period b) Much equipment, including large amounts of Pattern 1937 webbing, was lost on the continent after Dunkirk. 5 Uniform, [2] was the combat uniform worn by British Commonwealth and Imperial forces through the Second World War. Edmonds writing in 1925, " The British The Danish Army, Home Guard, and Air Force all use stable belts. The full set of 1944 Pattern Webbing typically inclu Apr 12, 2016 · My thanks go to Edward Corry for tonight’s object, the first of what will be an on-going series over the next year or so looking at the components of the PLCE (Personal Load Carrying Equipment) webbing system in frontline use by the British Army until very recently and still used by the majority of support troops and both the RAF and Royal Navy. Jun 12, 2019 · The 58 pattern webbing set was the mainstay of the British Army throughout the Cold War and although we have covered odd pieces on the blog before, a recent purchase of a nice clean set of webbing … Aug 17, 2016 · Wolfhound The colour of webbing was pretty much a "local" affair decided by the CO of individual regiments, For example: When I joined the Army in October 1942 we were introduced into the art of blankoeing our webbing and had to buy our own kit from the NAAFI, the colour was strictly green. for the week ending 25th October, 1939. These manufacturers all marked their webbing with letter codes so any faults could be traced back to a particular producer. Manufacturers of the webbing product—at the time a treated cotton variant, pattern 37—could not keep up with demand. Other nations introduced their own variants of battledress during the war, including Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South List of equipment of the British ArmyThis is a list of equipment of the British Army currently in use. See also Comparative military ranks of World War II List of equipment used in World War II Imperial Japanese Army Uniforms United States Army Uniform in World War II Ranks and insignia of the Red Army and Navy 1940–1943 Ranks and insignia of the Soviet Armed Forces 1943–1955 The Ordnance SBML two-inch mortar, or more commonly, just " two-inch mortar ", was a British mortar issued to the British Army and the Commonwealth armies, that saw use during the Second World War and later. '37 was scanned from the first UK printing. List of webbing equipment There are many present and past designs of webbing equipment – load-carrying aids mainly of military application. At wars’ end, the Army was drastically reduced in size, and returned to its primary function of garrisoning the British Empire. It is fitted with a "hook and loop" military buckle of the type first introduced in 1919, and at the rear has two angles 1-inch buckles chapes. Our range includes webbing systems, pouches, and accessories made to military specs. This also would largely apply to Commonwealth of Nations countries in World War II like Australia, India and South Africa as the majority of their equipment would have been British as they were at that time part of the British BRITISH WEBBING ITEMS from Britton at WarHOME ONLINE SHOP SHOWS & EVENTS NEW ITEMS SOLD CONTACT LATEST NEWS 1 2 3 6 Next 1 to 45 of 227 items Back up a level Webbing is used to make military belts, packs and pouches, and by extension also refers to the items themselves, which is referred to as webbing equipment. '37 W. . Millions of soldiers used Blanco as a matter of course and the product was in use by the British Army for 80 years or so. 1937 pattern web equipment (also known as '37 webbing'), officially known as "Equipment, Web 1937" and "Pattern 1937 Equipment" [1] was the British military load-carrying equipment used during the Second World War. The 1908 pattern web infantry equipment was an innovative type of webbing equipment adopted by the British Printing, Issue of 1939 The Pattern 1937 Web Equipment, 57 | General | 9512, Notified in A. Photo credit: Mean-and-Green. 95 In stock SKU8715K The British Army speak English -English) was pointlessly modified to an 2nd Issue. Contemporary colour photo of British armoured crewman, with webbing List of British military equipment of World War IIThe following is a list of British military equipment of World War II which includes artillery, vehicles and vessels. It was in turn gradually replaced in the 1990s by the current issue '95 Pattern Personal Load 37 pattern webbing and equipment WW2 British Shaving Razor £35. Army Webbing Equip yourself with top quality army webbing from our extensive range of British made gear. Full dress presents the most A typical example of the first issue Belt, waist, W. [2] The 1908 Pattern Webbing equipment comprised a wide belt, left and right ammunition pouches which held 75 rounds each, left and right braces, a bayonet frog and attachment for the Station Radio A41 – British copy of the US AN/PRC-10. We stock various types of webbing sets, yokes and MOLLE, PLCE or drop-leg pouches. Sep 25, 2022 · The British Army was inordinately fond of bullshit: for parades, all units would blanco their personal webbing in the shade preferred by the Regiment: these could be rather eccentric shades, such as black or straw yellow, and all brasses would be polished to a mirror finish. The goal was to fully equip and deploy 20 divisions within the first year of the war and all 55 divisions within two years. In 1939, the officer’s haversack was introduced. This is the easy bit. We have a range of Shovels & Covers, Bags & Packs and other personal items. This final variant served until late 1940, when it was superseded by the slightly modified Mk II, which served the British and Commonwealth forces throughout World War II. During the Second Boer War of 1899–1902, the standard British Army set of personal equipment, comprising a belt, haversack and ammunition pouches, was the leather Slade-Wallace Equipment The 1908 pattern web infantry equipment was an innovative type of webbing equipment adopted by the British Army before World War I. From the Ed Gould Collection. WW2 British gaiters WW2 British gaiters webbing material with leather straps and metal buckles . c) Large amounts of early British Oct 3, 2013 · Construction- The Pattern 42 Bergen Rucksack is teardrop shaped, as most mountaineering rucksacks had been before this featuring a large capacity. Jan 7, 2019 · With the massive conscription efforts of World War I, millions of sets of 1908 Pattern webbing were produced. Its main purpose was to produce smoke for cover and through high trajectory and HE shell WW2 British Army 1945 Dated Trip Flare Cardboard Box (Empty) Aug 10, 2021 · This week we reach the penultimate part of our series on webbing design in the first half of the twentieth century and one of the more unusual patterns, the 1940 Pattern Cavalry Webbing set. Based around the need to accommodate a different and more mechanised role and the need for expanded British soldiers wearing various configurations of 1958 pattern web equipment while on exercise in 1987 Queen's Dragoon Guards soldier wearing 1958 web equipment in the lead-up to the Gulf War; the web equipment saw its last major operational use in British service during this conflict. C. > > In 1939, a longer thigh strap (32”) was introduced for the RAC holster. 1958- pattern webbing was a modular based personal equipment system issued to the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom from the 1950s up until the mid 80s. was announced in the List of Changes with §B1623, dated 8th June 1938, and these FI's appeared Original WW2 British Army / RAF Blue 37 Pattern Webbing Belt - Size 40" Waist £4. In this episode we look at 1944 pattern equipment which was developed during the Second World War and used in Korea Equip yourself with durable Army Surplus Webbing, designed for field functionality. Mar 14, 2022 · This exciting new book is the first to look in detail at all aspects of the 1937 Pattern Webbing set in British and Empire service. Designed to military specifications, this webbing offers durability and functionality for reenactors, collectors, and outdoor enthusiasts. This web equipment was made of pre-shrunk woven cotton webbing and had two large basic pouches that were designed to allow the men to carry Bren magazines to support a sections light machine gun. WW2 BRITISH ARMY P37 WEBBING BRACES CROSS STRAPSBritish WWII Army Pattern 37 webbing braces or also called cross straps. According to the British official historian Brigadier James E. May 6, 2020 · File:Army uniforms of Norway. 22 shipping 0 bids High losses had been sustained by the British Army during the First World War and many soldiers returned embittered by their experiences. Equip yourself with durable Army Surplus Webbing, designed for field functionality. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and tactical professionals. 00 $7. Get the best deals for British Military Webbing at eBay. There's also a water bottle carrier and if wanted you can add an entrenching tool, bayonet frog and water bottle available extra. com. 31 Set. In the early 1930s it was decided to replace the 1908 pattern webbing as it was thought that in the next war infantrymen would be part of a motorized and mechanized army rather than fighting in trenchers. Station Radio B45 Station Radio B47 – VHF transceiver, 38 to 56 MHz Station Radio B48 – VHF transceiver, 26 to This is a list of World War II battles encompassing land, naval, and air engagements as well as campaigns, operations, defensive lines and sieges. [6] In the late 1970s it was decided to allow stable belts for all regiments in Denmark. British Army 1937 Pattern web equipment of the type used during the Second World War. §B1623, dated 8th June 1938. [1] It was first used by the British Army to whiten Slade Wallace buckskin leather equipment, and later adapted to coloured versions Jan 16, 2015 · Webbing Manufacturers’ Codes Throughout the Second World War a large number of new companies, that had never made webbing before, received military contracts. Such items are very collectable and these images and information have been kindly provided by keen collector Andrew Lingard. Once we had arrived in North Africa in April '43 the colour was changed to white and we found the best British Army webbing is a vital piece of your WW2 British uniform. Although what was to become pattern 37 was approved by the army it was deferred as the army was looking at a new light machine gun the bren gun. Like the earlier 1908 pattern webbing equipment of the First World War, the 1937 pattern was constructed of pre-shrunk canvas, a very durable and practical material in all but very wettest conditions. The system is in its fourth iteration following extensive development and engagement with front line users. Some have zippered pockets in the cover. The British Army adopted cotton webbing to replace leather after the Second Boer War although leather belts are still worn in more formal dress. The equipment set that the Canadian Army began to employ in 1939, called 1937 Pattern Web Equipment had already been made standard in the British Army two years before. The immense project was sub-divided into areas to ease publication. It replaced the 1908 Pattern and 1925 Pattern—on which it was based—and was standard issue for British and Commonwealth troops from its introduction in 1937, throughout World War II, and in the post-war period until it was superseded by 58 pattern webbing. The British people had also suffered economic hardships after the war and with the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s had contributed to a widespread antipathy to involvement in another war. Battledress (BD), [1] later named the No. Soldier's kit locker containing general-issue uniform (Army Air Corps). In Jul 8, 2019 · The British Army had introduced the new 1937 pattern webbing equipment set a few years earlier and by 1941 this was in widespread use. Oct 15, 2016 · Pattern 44 webbing was an attempt at creating a more lightweight (compared to Pattern 37) load bearing system for tropical climates. See full list on kommandopost. It replaced the 1908 Pattern and 1925 Pattern—on which it was based—and was standard issue for British and Commonwealth troops from its introduction in 1937, throughout World War II, and in the post-war period. British Army Regimental Belts, Royal Air Force Belts and Royal Navy Belts. Original WW2 British Army 1937 Pattern Webbing Compass Pouch Original 1944 Dated British Army 1937 Pattern Webbing Anklets - Size 3 Original 1942 Dated British Army Vickers Machine Gun Slide Rule Pouch 1937 Pattern First Pattern Binocular Case 1939 Dated Scarce Original 1943 Dated British Army Assault Vest Battle Jerkin INFANTRY EQUIPMENT (Parts 2 & 3 coming soon) Part 1 - Webbing The British soldier of the 1980's, like his predecessor had to carry everything he needed to survive on the battle field. It was introduced in the Second World War by the British Army and was also used by other Commonwealth armies. The main pocket closes with a cinch rope and has a flap cover. E. The Helmet Steel Airborne Troops (HSAT) is a paratrooper helmet of British origin worn by paratroopers and members of airlanding units. [9] Americans use modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE). Osprey body armour is a system of body armour used by the British Armed Forces. Even in a modern highly mechanised army there were times when the soldier had to carry heavy loads of personal equipment in to battle. Explore our collection for reliable and versatile gear. The National People's Army (Nationale Volksarmee) of the German Democratic Republic designed and introduced the Uniformtrageversuch 85–90 (UTV 85–90), resembling, with the exception of the clothing system, a modified duplicate of the British Type 58 Pattern webbing, inheriting very similar features in appearance and function. Collecting early dated British webbing can be difficult for a number of reasons. One of the results was the adoption of a doctrine of The Blanco Story So, why the mystery? Why so many unanswered questions? It is a little baffling to find that a product so ubiquitous, utilitarian and long-lived as webbing cleaner should hold so many secrets. Jul 2, 2024 · 1937 Pattern Web Equipment was an item of military load-carrying equipment. Aug 3, 2021 · The Evolution of British Webbing (Part 5)- The 1937 Pattern Set By the early 1930s it was clear that the British Army needed modernising and a review was taken of both the soldier’s uniform and accoutrements under General Sir Walter Braithwaite. 1937 Pattern Webbing was made from cotton webbing, which was waterproofed and dyed before being woven British Army uniform and equipment in World War IAn infantryman of the Worcestershire Regiment on the Western Front in 1916, wearing the 1908 pattern webbing equipment, a Brodie helmet, and puttees The British Army used a variety of standardized battle uniforms and weapons during World War I. Buy British Collectable WWII Military Field Gear & Equipment and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay UK! Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items October 1942. Members of the British 1st Airborne Division, training at Netheravon. Explore our collection for genuine, high-quality webbing gear that stands the test of time. [1] Uniforms in the British Army are specific to the regiment (or corps) to which a soldier belongs. com Fast-forward to the present-day, and the Polish tactical and outdoor gear supremos at Helikon-Tex® are incorporating the design heritage and hard-won lessons of the classic British Bergen rucksacks into some of their latest products. After the Dunkirk evacuation of Allied Forces from France (May–June 1940), the army fought in the Mediterranean and Middle East theatres, and in the Burma Campaign. Please find below our selection of both reproduction and original WW2/post war British Equipment including our popular British Webbing Sets. Introduced just before the Second World War the 1937 Pattern set would see service with British and Empire troops and their allies throughout the war. We try for matching sets but does not always work out that way Mar 26, 2018 · The History of the Second World War is the official history of Britain’s contribution to the Second World War and was published by Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO). Oct 12, 2014 · In 1938, the ballistite loops were removed from the lids of basic pouches and utility pouches (Canadian, Indian and some South African pouches would continue to include them throughout the war). The main British Army campaigns in the course of the Second World War The British Army was called on to fight around the world, starting with campaigns in Europe in 1940.