UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE AIF DURING WW2
This pictorial library is devoted to the recording of "Uniform and Kit" issued to an Australian Soldier of any corps, during the Second World War. Consider it a virtual "Q" Store in Australian militaria. It is not exhaustive and will be added to over time. Any reader who wishes to contribute photographs and text will be recognised and credited with such information. I also invite collectors of other nation's militaria to forward content (please see our other countries listed on the drop down menu) - so that a comprehensive list of "Axis" and "Allies" uniform/kit is detailed.
Pattern 37 Utility Yoke Straps (2 inch)
A pair of 2" Yoke Straps of Pattern 37 Web Equipment. A single strap of this type was required to join certain pouches together. Initially used to join together two magazine pouches for the Lewis Light Machine Gun; this type of yoke was also used to join the Pattern 37 Utility Pouches. The ink stamping indicates that these items were made by the Canadian company, "Z L & T" (Zephyr Loom & Textile Ltd) during 1942. The ink stamping of a Government acceptance make 'broad arrow' is also evident. As Australia did not possess the capability to manufacture Web Equipment until 1943, it was required to import vast quantities of this material from Canada to equip both the Second AIF and the AMF. Subsequently, much of the Pattern 37 Web Equipment displayed in this ledger is of Canadian manufacture. (Photo courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection).
English Clothes Brush
This warranted bristle brush, made by 'H.B & Co.' was purchased in England during 2005. The date of manufacture is stamped '1940'. In the absence of any residue shoe polish (boot polish) or other leather type dressing; the possibility that it may be a brush used for the polishing of footwear - may be ruled out. It is possible that this brush may have been used for the removal of "lint" and dust from uniforms. Perhaps of the type used by an officer or 'batman' to a Commissioned Officer; to maintain the appearance of tunics, trousers etc. I would be interested to view any comments by other collectors from England or elsewhere, on this issue. As this item may have been issued (or purchased) by any other member of the British Commonwealth, it has been included amongst the kit for other nationalities. (Image courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection)
English Bristle Brush - 1940
A close up of the English Bristle Brush. The manufacturer details of H.B & Co. can easily be discerned alongside the date of manufacture, being 1940. Should you 'left click' on the picture, the enlarged image shows traces of "lint" which supports the suggestion that this type of brush was used to maintain the appearance of clothes and uniform. Please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator if you can assist with any information regarding this item.
Blue Enamelled Steel Water Bottle
This Mark VI water bottle was the standard water bottle to the Australian Army in two World Wars. Constructed from blue enamelled steel, the water bottle comes in a number of minor variations, depending upon who manufactured the item. Technically known in military jargon as a 'Bottle, water, enamelled' - it was closed by way of a cork stopper, finished with metal fittings. These metal fittings were coated in a type of 'tinning' but were eventually prone to corrosion when exposed to the elements - over a period of time. The bottle itself was tough and hard wearing; evident by the fact of how many survive to this day. It was covered by a khaki woollen outer which fitted completely over the bottle, leaving only the neck exposed. I have found examples of this type of water bottle in many far flung battlefields; from Gallipoli in Turkey to the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. One such example, located near the 4th Battalion Cemetary near Anzac Cove, had been sliced in half, down the centreline and a stick shoved into the neck of the bottle; to form a makeshift frying pan. This photo courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection.
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