W.E. Patt. '08 - Pre-war Battle Order
These pictures show a pre-1914 set of Patt. '08 Infantry Equipment in Battle Order. The Pack has been discarded, and the second issue Haversack moved to the back, with the second issue Water bottle in Carrier mounted on it. Note the first issue Braces, which show up well in the Rear View. Also note the Mk. I left Cartridge carrier, which is a mirror image of the right.
W.E. Patt. '08 - Early War Marching Order
The pictures show a set of Patt. '08 Infantry Equipment in Marching Order, circa 1915. In fact, all of the webbing in these photos is dated 1915. In Marching Order, the Pack is carried on the back, while the Haversack and Water bottle in Carrier are on the sides. In this set, the Haversack and Water bottle carrier are the third issue types introduced in early 1914, and the left Cartridge carrier is the Mk. II version introduced in October of the same year. The Mess tin in its flax canvas Cover is now carried strapped to the outside of the Pack - by 1915 Tommy Atkins is usually carrying too much kit for there to be room for it in the Pack any longer.
W.E. Patt. '08 - Late War Marching Order
The pictures show a set of Patt. '08 Infantry Equipment in Marching Order, circa 1917 - 1918. These Cartridge carriers are the late war "Economy" type, with studs instead of snap fasteners on the cartridge pockets. Tommy's also added even more equipment - there is a pair of folding Wire Cutters in their Frog, and his Small box respirator in its canvas Haversack is slung in the Alert position on his chest. The second issue Entrenching tool carrier, introduced in 1916, has been relocated to a more comfortable position below the belt at the rear.
Note: At least two sharp eyed viewers have pointed out that the SBR is on backwards. The side with the D rings should be next to the body. I'll redo the pics and fix it, one day.
These pictures show the W.E. Patt. '08 Pistol Order. Originally introduced in 1913 for Pipers and Range-takers, it was later authorised for other soldiers who did not carry a rifle, such as tank crews, machine gun crews, and Other Ranks in the RFC. The leather Pistol case and Cartridge pouch are attached to a Special Belt, and Brace attachments replace the Cartridge carriers.
W.E. Patt. '08 - R.M.L.I. "Shirtsleeve Order" at Gallipoli, 1915
This 'shirtsleeve order' setup depicts a R.M.L.I. man at Galipolli, 1915. The helmet is named to a Galipolli vet, all webbing is 1915 dated , and he is wearing 1915 dated simplified trousers, an early greyback (this pattern replaced in September '14), and early B2 style boots. From the Chris Pollendine Collection. Photos © Chris Pollendine 2010.
