Carrying more magazines than an infantryman, it may have meant the grenades had to be displaced to a Special Carrier. Other holsters being Group / Class 1095, Miscellaneous Weapons, the clerks choice of 8440 signifies Hoisery (sic! Stores Ref. Another example. No photograph has yet been noted, where this Holster is being worn. Browning Pistol, C No. Thus their 08 Lanchester pouches required modification, which was detailed in Admiralty Fleet Order 4187, approved on 9 September 1943, though the promulgation date is not known. that was also notified in the L. of C.. they had additional to provide support for the Patt. The badge is a Great War rhomboidal tank and is still worn today. Stores Ref. On the opposite side is a Sergeant, with his R.A.C. This contained one 13-round magazine, the pocket closed by a small, side-hinged flap. The first pair of converted Pouches, shown at the beginning of this section, are maker marked "M" and dated 1943. Airman, soldier or even sailor and why? In the 1944 edition, there is no Pouch and conversely, that of 1946 has no Case! Though stitching is the more likely, a pair of rivets through the Shell Rivets on the Tip, brass, 1 -in. It remains for readers to un-earth photographic evidence of the stock in use with British troops in any year! Regiment may have needed an urgent stop-gap for the 60,000 Stens that were obtained after April 1941. If the former, one suggestion has been that it might be for the No. Once again, a coded example would be rather useful, if not the drawing itself! Stores Ref. entry so far seen. The Leg strap has to be secured near the holster belt loop, possibly being stitched, to give the maximum length. Manufactured by K. LTD (either Kensum, or Knibbs) in 1941, this example is from the Graham Tweeddale Collection. Stores Ref. From the Brian Burns Collection, photos Brian Burns 2012. adopted Patt. Evidence for its use is slender, to say the least, resting solely on two wartime photographs (not to hand). Stores Ref. van. At the top a 3 1/4-inch wide shoulder strap, with the ends tapered by folding to sandwich a short length of doubled 1-inch webbing. For the R.A.F. However, it was connected to the Patt. The absence of Belt hooks suggests this was a companion to the Chinese Holster, No. The above nomenclatures come from two editions of a V.A.O.S. Gun, sets complete unknown Pouch, Magazine, Carbine, Machine, Lanchester (shortened). Photographs Ed Storey 2009. A cryptic note was added, to the effect that the the new issue was to be .of the 1937 pattern, which differed only slightly from the original type. 08 Pack. The broad strap was sometimes shortened by being wound around the Waist belt. B3 / BL / C / 0121 Case, Magazine, Pistol, Automatic, 9mm. 19 is unlikely, leaving Pouch, ammunition, pistol, large as a possibility, though not confirmed by any known Section A1 document. Stores Ref. B2 would seem to make more sense. Pouches. A1/AA 5XXX Carrier, grenade, special 1 being equipped slightly differently to No. Photographs show the Army used this item, yet neither code, nor nomenclature appear in any V.A.O.S. Includes handkerchiefs; suspenders; garters; belts; dress handwear; leggings, nonsafety (sic!) 1 Correspondence with NAM has failed to give the method of wearing. No introductory L. of C. has been noted, which would have been into V.A.O.S. Regiment. From the Karkee Web Collection. 08 W.E (A1/AA 0995) and Patt. The photos on the right show the same Holster and Strap, but this time with the Leg strap doubled through the Belt loop. This example is from the Tony Cone Collection. The R.A.F. The tapered end of the broad strap is then secured to the 2-inch buckle on the Leg strap. Co." and dated 1943. 37 components did not list this Case. termed their khaki 08 and 37 as drab and the latter was intended for the R.A.F. I. Probably around 1941, if they followed the R.A.F. In addition to provision for three magazines, there is a narrower fourth cell for an oil bottle, with a diagonally placed cleaning rod sleeve stitched to the back of the Pouch. To assemble the set, the left shoulder strap was passed over the left shoulder and down towards the right hip. This may confirm it as an Army example. However, his webbing is drab, not blue-grey and the pouch is being worn just behind his right Basic pouch. The Case, pistol, web, R.A.C. The double hooks are carried on a 2-inch wide patch that is extended beyond the edges of the Pouch. The right Pouch has a small, box-lidded pocket low down on the front face. The Commandos were formed from volunteers from all branches of the British Army. The right hand had a mirrored arrangement. 2, Mk. 1 (A1/AA 0996). It comprised a length of 1.25-inch webbing folded over to form a Belt loop and with the end turned under to secure a broad snap hook. Case, pistol, web, R.A.C. Photographs Ed Storey 2009. The staple on the body hinge plate was attached to the runner hook. At the rear bottom edge was a large pad to prevent undue pressure on the upper thigh. 08, although the two carrying Lanchesters are in either Patt. However, it begs a question: has a now surplus Pouch been officially transferred to the Royal Navy? 2. They would have flapped around there, even had it been longer. As most of the Lanchesters went to the Navy, it would make sense to use the R.A.F.s largely redundant Pouches. Stores Ref. Patt. 37. 37 was obviously already in use, reference to Patt. Astounding! It should be noted that the 32-round Sten magazine was compatible also. Intended for use at the right thigh, modifications centred on shortening the broad support strap, either by rolling, or cutting (described above). termed it correctly a Carrier, it being a divided pocket! There were many others, and as previously mentioned Karkee Web will be very pleased to list any and all other examples that may be supplied by our readers. decision, the R.N. Section B3 (Composite List), 1944, allows its inclusion here, rather than in future coverage of Patt. The first difference is the presence of double hooks for direct attachment to a Waist belt - unlike the Lewis pouches. B3 / BL / C / 0127 Holster, pistol, auto. 1 and 1* had tangent sights and were therefore fitted up for a shoulder stock. B3 / CGB 7186 Pouch, magazine, 9-mm. Photographs 2009 Allen Prior. The concept was not new, the Broomhandle Mauser pistol employing a near identical form. Naval code unknown Pouch, Magazine, Carbine, Machine, Lanchester, Left, W.E., Patt. Both of these Holsters are from the Ed Storey Collection. listing for A5 still lists this item, but no date is known for it becoming obsolete. This wooden item would seem a very odd thing to include in an account of a web equipment. However the answer seems to have been B1 unless it moved again..? Both Pouch and Strap were made obsolete by L. of C. C4686 (10th April, 1951). L. of C. B7399, approved 18th January, 1943, made it obsolescent. Stores Ref. The original stitching guide lines were left more visible on the modified Pouches. 1 was an un-impressive and little design. KWRT member, Terry Hawker has performed some experimental accoutrementology - of a non-permanent nature -in order to work out how this was achieved. CN 7190 Holster, web, No. Mk. sets, the belt of which would interfere with the lumbar support strap of the Bergen. In this, it foreshadows the later Mark II in having high / low belt loops. I as a shoulder holster. Regiment - who were formed in 1942. Stores Ref. 1 had an internal leather cleaning rod sleeve, so perhaps (a) above was the same Pouch, but without the cleaning rod sleeve? As might be expected, in the close confines of an armoured vehicle, the vertical strap was found to catch on internal protrusions. Nomenclature for this item is not known. Cumberland sailors at right shows many of them still in Patt. did have some Lanchesters, prior to the majority being taken by the Navy. It is too well-made to be a temporary, or supply Carrier, to be thrown away after it reaches its destination - unless it needed to be sturdily made for use as a throw-away by Airborne troops? 37 and made Patt. Section A1/AA, in the 5000 series. Although examples exist, little is known of its origins, or designated purpose, other than for carrying grenades. Compass pocket and Pistol ammunition pouch. A 4-bar buckle (same as that on the Basic pouch) was positioned between the shoulder strap and the back of the Pouch. It would leave no provision for an oil bottle, which seems to have been considered an important accessory. I have tried for myself and the FFD fits perfectly.". This could have been either way additional support being added to the original design, or manufacture being simplified to the alternative form. example be from the same year. Whilst the purpose is obvious, precisely which Case, or Pouch is depicted?! 1. Gun, pouches, alternative. 375/1944, meant that all Tabs were to be returned to Royal Army Ordnance Corps stores, in effect now obsolete. The Bergens shoulder straps were fitted with short tab straps, 1.5-inches wide. This Pouch is maker marked "J. A fuller description will be found below, under the section for newly manufactured Patt. However, no belt hooks were provided, nor are there stitching guides to indicate an incompletely finished product. 2, Mk. This would shorten the strap considerably, but it would depend on the Sergeants physique. No Detail was appended concerning the weapon, though this was the Browning. Stores Ref. 2, Mk. The Carrier is made like the Patt. 4, Mk.I. Section B1 still had it listed in 1974. 1, or the Mk. & T.", for Zephyr Loom & Textile Ltd. and is dated 1944. Can anyone confirm their existence? 1 Holster remained in Miscellaneous. Despite the lack of L. of C.s, the 1948 V.A.O.S. The reverse has two belt hooks, fitted directly through the backing fabric, as with Cartridge carriers, but with no point of attachment for the Braces, as this Carrier would have been worn disposed towards the left or right hip of the wearer. There is a photo in Military Illustrated magazine, No. 8440-99-973-6257 Holster, pistol, web, No. The flap is not box sided and the Pouches are supported by strapping wrapped around the Belt. KW would particularly like to hear from anyone who can solve the methodology, or who has any brighter ideas. Section is A5, Commando and Assault Equipment. Of the Pouches so far noted, all are with either Commando, or Airborne personnel and, in the case of the latter, even one with a Royal Army Medical Corps officer. If any reader has coded examples? The 4-bar buckle is now mounted to the usual form of web chape-cum-fairlead, as on a Basic pouch. Perhaps they were worn around the parachutists neck, under the various smocks and overalls ? Some months passed before it was included as Case, pistol, web, R.T.C., the Royal Tank Corps, though armoured car units were to be issued with it as well as Royal Corps of Signals personnel, seconded to armoured units. The other end of the webbing extended beyond the hook and was finished Canadian style by being dipped in phenolic resin. Now in the 1965 edition, only the No. This is the largest of the wartime ammunition Pouch designs. A5/AE 0224 Pouches, magazine, Vickers G.O. The shoulder straps therefore crossed on the back in the manner of a shoulder holster rig. The contract for the Lanchester was jointly let by the Admiralty and Air Ministry, but in the event most went to the Royal Navy, where they formed part of shipboard personal arms into the late 1960s. property for issue to the Army, or for the R.A.F. The left Pouch carries a 1-inch 3-bar buckle and chape on the front face, which buckles to a length of strap similarly mounted on the front of the right hand Pouch. Photographs 2009 Allen Prior. Perhaps, as it overcomplicated the conversion, it was dispensed with. (c) Stores Ref. There does not appear to be any item listed that equates to the Belt runner, whatever permutations of synonyms are tried. From the collection of Ed Storey. This example appears to be a new manufacture Patt. Section B3. Karkee Web contributor Paul Laidlaw has now confirmed that the No. If the D.R. wooden 25 W.E., though the R.A.F. 2. It may be that the different pouch types relate to the Gun Numbers No. The chrome side of the leather faced the scabbard, as the tab was attached to the scabbard stud. in Europe in 1944. The cleaning rod sleeve is just visible in the center photo. This one, made by the Mills Equipment Company, is integrally woven, except for the flaps, unlike the folded and stitched example shown above. Pistol case on his left upper chest, next to a Basic pouch. The 3-inch vertical strap was to be cut off -inch above the top of the Holster. 4 Bayonet was an insecure fit in the existing bayonet frogs. A1/AA 5199 Pouch, magazine, Colt. The example illustrated is "M.E. However, it seems more than coincidental that Utility pouches can therefore be attached and are seen in photographs. Alternatively, if the modification was not to be permanent, it could be doubled through the belt loop and be secured back to itself with a spare Buckle, brass, 2-in.. Photographs Ed Storey 2009. Stores Ref. Unfortunately, this is a R.A.F. Co." marked and dated 1942, which is felt to be late for a Navy contract, most Patt. Naval code unknown Pouch, Magazine, Carbine, Machine, Lanchester, Right, Converted With tool pocket. Pocket, Sten loading tool is derived from the R.A.F. 1 would carry the third magazine. At this stage, it was still N.I.V., which was rectified by L. of C. C6789, approved on 14 Jul, 1955, confirming the shorter CN / CGB / 7190 code and nomenclature and transferring it and the Mark 2 from Section B3 to C.C.N. A5/AE 0221 Pouches, magazine, Vickers G.O. It might have been necessary to isolate these from being damaged in a mixed pouch load with magazines. Browning pistol, C, No. Limitation, to a small size of waist belt, also seems odd. Stores Ref. 37 W.E. Gun, braces, long This set marked C.P. 37 W.E. nomenclature. L. of C. B8686, approved 27 October, 1943, introduced the Mark II Case and revised the nomenclature of the earlier variant to Case, pistol, web, R.A.C., Mk. 2662/1942. From the Graham Tweeddale Collection. 2662/1942. 37 Brace can be buckled on, passing down behind the Pouch. does not give an explicit new nomenclature, so KW has added Converted. No introductory L. of C. has been found, so the earliest reference is in the December 1944 Composite List of Section B3. 2, Mk. '37 or '19, and are carrying Pouches either made or converted for Patt. L. of C. C4686 divided up Section CN under sub-headings for W.E. James Ladds Commandos and Rangers confirms use of the G.O. A pair of Pn. Unlike factory made blue-grey Sten magazine carriers / pouches, no factory made drab Sten pouch has been noted. Once again, the nomenclature is from the A.F.O., but with Re-dyed added to make it discrete. & A.H." (J. During the War, the Browning Mk 1 was being made in Canada, by Inglis, for contracts let by the Chinese Nationalists. 36 Grenades, the later iteration of the Great War Mills Bomb. 1, which also had only a Belt loop, i.e. A1/AA 0657 Case, pistol, web, R.A.C., with suspension strap and leg strap (d) Stores Ref. A1/AA unknown Pouch, filler, magazine On the raid, the personnel included at least three volunteers, who were still wearing their distinctive white arm badge, on the right upper arm, showing that they had been recruited from the Royal Tank Regiment. Stores Ref. Note the fabrication marks showing where the original '08 fittings were placed, as well as the scars on the webbing where the old bits were removed, which are particularly well shown on this example. The word used was obsolete, not obsolescent, yet the 1945 photograph of H.M.S. Mk. Marked Bagcraft, it is unfortunately dated 1944, a year too early for a stores code to be marked-on. This Pouch epitomises the difficulty facing the researcher, even when he has Prime Sources. and the edge of the Leg strap loop would also achieve the same end. In all cases they have proved to be Lanchester pouches, shortened at their lower ends, as the Sten used smaller, 32 round magazines. No L. of C., or A.C.I. 1. The carbine concept, afforded by such as the Luger and particularly the Mauser, suited their purposes and they therefore specified the same for the Browning, together with a compact webbing Holster, the No. At this stage, it can only be speculated, but the wooden Holster, No. The only other information was the Strap, Web, 1-in. Stores Ref. Stores Ref. It does not have the Arrow over N Naval ownership mark. 08 W.E. These are covered elsewhere in the Patt. Varying the Braces, sufficiently to warrant a new code, is also puzzling, as its hard to speculate how a Brace could be made to be different to the standard Patt. 37 Braces could be worn, threaded through the loops on the shoulder straps and attached to the 1-inch 4-bar buckle. The picture at right shows a detail of stampings on an example of the shorter version of the Strap shown left. 37 W.E. The No. Stores Ref. Browning Pistol, C Mk. Photographs Graham Tweeddale, 2012. '37. The Lanchester Machine Carbine was the weapon of choice for the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, originally on a 50:50 split. The Holster body was a hollowed-out block of hardwood, closed with a hinged lid, which was secured with a spring-button catch. The second (below right, from They Also Served, by George Forty) is one soldier queuing for char & a wad, at a mobile N.A.A.F.I. 2, as both Holsters have internal cleaning rod sleeves. Each Pouch was closed by a hinged lid, secured by a Q.R. The nomenclature at (c) is from the Remarks column against (d), which states Formerly BL / C / 10102 CSAID3-2018, which latter reference is a Drawing Number. was primarily, but not exclusively, an R.A.F. soldier, namely a member of the R.A.F. 1 Mk. This Holster is maker marked "Z.L. 69 Bakelite Grenade, which had a plastic case and was designed for use at close quarters, as it had a lesser lethal radius than the No. It was originally intended to carry the Inglis Brownings made for the Chinese Nationalists and was of triangular front elevation, closed by a long-strap Q.R. & T." and dated 1944. In form, it is exactly like the version manufactured for R.A.F.