British Made US Canteen Cover

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08-14-2021, 10:34 PM
Aragorn243

British Made US Canteen Cover

Couldn't believe my luck today. Found a canteen and cover for $10 at a flea market today. Figured it was a post war Japanese kit but turns out it was a British Made cover, a 1942 canteen with early cap and a 1945 cup. Apparently a lot of US equipment was produced in Britain during the war. Some say it was to free up ships for more important things. others as a way to repay the Lend Lease. About 700,000 dismounted canteen covers were produced in England in 43 and 44. Not sure how many total were produced. That seems like a lot and with 2 million servicemen serving in Europe almost half the total covers to supply them. Mounted covers were produced in even greater numbers so with them included, about two thirds could have been supplied. Wonder what the life span of a cover was.

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08-15-2021, 09:45 AM
browningautorifle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn243

Apparently a lot of US equipment was produced in Britain during the war.

I think it's simple, if you NEED then you procure from the closest source. Kind of like our local procurement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn243

Wonder what the life span of a cover was.

One of the guys that was 101st during Arnhem said they came back from Holland and turned in all their gear and clothing, was all completely worn out from the 70 odd days of wear and combat. Then while they had nothing the Bastogne surprise came along. It's a matter of what you're doing. You can have a piece of canvas for years if it doesn't see much use. These are right where they get worn so if you're in the field for extended periods it would be consumed. If there's any holes or serious wear it's considered unserviceable.
08-15-2021, 07:16 PM
Flying10uk

I think that it was called "reverse lend lease" and I have seen it on other US canvas items.
08-25-2021, 12:31 PM
Mk VII

It saved shipping space to have them made at this end. I've seen quite a few different items that were 'British-made' - they always cost less here, as no one wants them much.
08-25-2021, 07:21 PM
Aragorn243

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mk VII

It saved shipping space to have them made at this end. I've seen quite a few different items that were 'British-made' - they always cost less here, as no one wants them much.

Why? Do they want US made US gear? Or is it just that they were made there?
08-25-2021, 07:46 PM
Flying10uk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn243

Why?

I though that it was because the UK had excess capacity in the textile industry, at the time, being one of the leading textile manufacturers in the world, at the time. It was easier to ask the textile factory to start making textile type products for the US than asking the textile factory to convert to making aeroplane engines or tank turrets, for example.
08-27-2021, 09:41 PM
RCS

There were Thompson Model 1928A1 drum pouches manufactured in the UK too
08-30-2021, 12:43 PM
erich51

wow, you so lucky to come across this. That's a nice purchase
08-30-2021, 01:08 PM
Mk VII

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn243

Why? Do they want US made US gear? Or is it just that they were made there?

They seem to want the US-made stuff for preference.