No. 4 (T) Paratroop Packing?

[Sapper740]

The British Central Landing Establishment developed all manner of drop panniers, containers, valises, and packing crates for the paratroops to be able to jump with their weapons and equipment. The topic is too broad to discuss here but as they developed containers for rifles, Bren Guns, PIATs, mortars, Welbikes, radios, blood supplies, ammunition, and P37 web gear it's almost a cert that they adapted some to drop No.4 MkI (T)'s. One drop container held 12 rifles and a 1,000 rounds of ammunition, the C.L.E. Mark I container was over 6 feet long and could carry 246.5 lbs. of equipment with the standard 28 foot parachute. David Gordon has a whole chapter devoted to supply dropping in his excellent book "EQUIPMENT OF THE WORLD WAR II TOMMY" Gordon's books are must buy for any serious collector of British Commonwealth weapons and kit.

[Alan de Enfield]

The British Central Landing Establishment developed all manner of drop panniers, containers, valises, and packing crates for the paratroops to be able to jump with their weapons and equipment. The topic is too broad to discuss here but as they developed containers for rifles, Bren Guns, PIATs, mortars, Welbikes, radios, blood supplies, ammunition, and P37 web gear it's almost a cert that they adapted some to drop No.4 MkI (T)'s. One drop container held 12 rifles and a 1,000 rounds of ammunition, the C.L.E. Mark I container was over 6 feet long and could carry 246.5 lbs. of equipment with the standard 28 foot parachute. David Gordon has a whole chapter devoted to supply dropping in his excellent book "EQUIPMENT OF THE WORLD WAR II TOMMY" Gordon's books are must buy for any serious collector of British Commonwealth weapons and kit.

I seem to remember reading that there was a 'padded carry bag' developed which was actually carried across the chest during the 'jump', and was dropped on a tether just before hitting the ground.
Was that for the No5 ?

[Sapper740]

[QUOTE=Alan de Enfield;545480]I seem to remember reading that there was a 'padded carry bag' developed which was actually carried across the chest during the 'jump', and was dropped on a tether just before hitting the ground.
Was that for the No5 ?[/QUOTE

There was a Rifle Valise for the No.4 and a Bren Gun Valise as well as a Sten Machine Carbine Leg Case and 2" Mortar case that the paratroopers jumped with. Both the Bren Gun Valise and the Rifle valise had two different methods of carry: a High carry and a Low carry but trials proved the high carry allowed better mobility in the aircraft so it was preferred. High carry required a canvas loop around the valise and the back of the jumper's neck and paratroopers were warned to hug the valise hard until under canopy else their neck would take the brunt of the weight of the weapon during the opening shock. All four valises and cases were lowered by rope to hang below to reduce the landing force. There was also a specially designed kit bag for para troops that had eyelets on the side as opposed to a rope closure at one end to give quicker access to the bag's contents after landing.