Infantry Equipment, Pattern 1914 - Haversacks

 

Haversacks

The Pattern 1914 Haversack was introduced with the Infantry Equipment, Pattern 1914 in List of Changes entry LoC 16977, dated 30 August 1914. The face dimensions of the Haversack are the same as those of the Patt. '08 Haversacks, approximately 9-inches tall by 11-inches wide. Unlike Patt. '08 Haversacks, though, Pattern 1914 ones are wedge shaped in profile, tapering from 4-inches deep at the bottom to only 2-inches deep at the top. This is similar to the post-war Pattern 1919 and 1925 Haversacks. The chapes and tabs are leather instead of web and the buckles are tongued, unlike the Pattern 1908 tongueless Twigg buckles. Additionally, the side chapes are 1-inch wire instead of 2-inches.

hsack 1 fronthsack 1 rearhsack 1 sideThis first issue Haversack is a good example of the type. It is made of a light webbing and all tabs and chapes are present. It is maker marked "JB (L) LTD." and dated 1915.

 

 

 

The second issue Haversack, like the second issue Pack, has grommeted web 2-inch tabs on the rear, the other fittings being leather. List of Changes entry LoC 17219, 31 December 1914 / 30 March 1915, does not specifically mention Haversacks, but refers only to Packs. Haversacks must be included, though, because I can definitely confirm that they exist (although I don't have an example of one).

hsack 3 fronthsack 3 rearhsack 3 sideThe third issue Pattern 1914 Haversack was introduced by List of Changes entry LoC 17599, 25 November 1915. In this version, all of the chapes and tabs are web instead of leather.This example is unmarked and undated and has been blancoed pea green. The buckles on the front flap straps are Patt. '08 style 1-inch tongueless Twigg buckles instead of the tongued type.

 

 

 

hsack conv fronthsack conv rearhsack conv sideJust as with the Pack, there are examples of "Pattern 1908 / Pattern 1914" Convertible haversacks. Unlike the large Convertible packs, though, the Convertible haversacks are Patt. '14 in style, with the wedge shaped body and grommeted 2-inch web tabs on the rear, but with tongueless Twigg buckles on the all web chapes and straps. The side chapes are Patt. '08 style 2-inches wide. This example is typical. It is maker marked "Waring & Gillow" and dated 1918.