UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE BRITISH ARMY DURING WW2

This pictorial library is devoted to the recording of "Uniform and Kit" issued to a British Soldier of any corps, during the Second World War. Consider it a virtual "Q" Store in British 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.

THIS WEBPAGE IS CONSTANTLY BEING ADDED TO - SO PLEASE VISIT AGAIN

Carrier - Water Bottle - Web Equipment - Cavalry Pattern - 1940

The reverse side of the "Carrier - Water Bottle - Web Equipment - Cavalry Pattern". Developed in 1940, the 1" wide buckles can be seen, which accommodate a strap that allows the Water Bottle Carrier to be slung of the shoulder (in a similar fashion to the Mark II leather water bottle carrier).

Pattern 37 Binocular Case

This Pattern 37 Binocular Case of Canadian manufacture (Zephyr Loom & Textile Limited or Z.L & T) was undoubtably issued to British troops during World War Two. The binocular case consists of a rigid shell, covered in khaki cotton webbing and secured by way of a single clip stud fastener. The binocular case is fitted with a single buckled fitted to both sides, so as to enable a standard Pattern 37 shoulder strap to be adhered. This then allows the binocular case to be carried as a seperate unit. Or alternatively, it may be secured to a set of pattern 37 webbing and be carried as a part of a kit. Much of this type of kit could still be found as surplus equipment in Australia during the period 2000 to 2010; but is slowly starting to 'dry up' in terms of availability.

Pattern 37 Binocular Case (Inside View)

Inside view of the Pattern 37 Binocular Case, showing the manufacture stamping Z.L & T Ltd. of the company "Zephyr Loom & Textiles Limited". The date of manufacture is shown, being 1943 and the government broad arrow inside a letter "C" to denote Canadian manufacture. Of note is the felt liner on the inside (at the bottom) of the carrier, so as to provide some cushioning and protection to the lenses of the binoculars, when in storage. Here the 1" shoulder strap (brace) can be seen, which allows the individual to carry and discard the item as a single unit.

English Bristle 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)

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