Pattern 44 Webbing

**cmp truck** · 12-23-2019 11:26 PM

The initial pattern of ammo pouches were similar to 37 Pattern. In Malaya this style of pouch was not suitable for jungle patrolling So they were adapted by squadies by removing the C clips and reattaching them through the chest strap loop or removing the chest strap loop and reattaching them at the top of the pouch so the belt could pass through them. This was done as it was a better way to mount the pouches further to the side of the body allowing better access to ammo when lying down. Later 2nd pattern pouches had the double "C" clips for either high or low mounting on the belt.
The spike bayonet was carried on the side of the left pouch as was the knife bayonet for the Enfield No. 5 carbine. This was modified by a larger slit so the SLR bayonet could be mounted easier. There is also a bayonet frog which could be used with all the bayonets in current use (there were five in use as of the Malayan Emergency, and the old sword type bayonet if it was ever issued.
The initial rucksack was small, with the two pouches on the side for the mess tin halves. The later 2nd pattern was quite a bit larger. The second pattern of kit was introduced around 1962. There was also a haversack produced which was very popular with troops. Evidently, these were worn until they literally fell apart thus no many were available on the surplus market. The best part of the kit was the new canteen/cup and carrier based on US equipment. The first canteen had a chain attached to the lid, the second used a cord. It was not has hardy as 37 Pattern as the metal fittings had a habit of breaking. I have a fair amount of this set in my collection. You can have items of one colour of Jungle Green, the official name for the colour of the dye. You can have variations in this colour due to manufacturer's differing dye lots and items made of two different colours of webbing.
Be aware, the Indian army or Pakistani army bought a lot of this pattern. You can identify it as the dye is a "pea green" colour and there are no markings on any of the items. Most of the surplus items I have seen are the canteen pouches and ammo pouches.
Regards,
Ian