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A set of 1908 British infantry webbing equipment. This is the common webbing equipment worn by all British and Commonwealth infantrymen, during the Great War. The set of interlocking webbing straps and pouches was developed as a result of a number of test and a series of minor modifications. The web looms were used to manufacture a variety of different types of equipment. The British P'08 equipment as worn by the soldiers at the beginning of the war, was probably one of the most comfortable and functional sets of any nationality, the set had several advantages. One of which being that it could be taken off and on in one piece without the probability of losing any pieces.
The basic set of equipment consisted of a 3 inch wide waist belt, with two angled 2 inch buckles at the rear, to which the shoulder straps attach. These shoulder straps are 2 inches wide, and buckle to the left and right hand ammo pouches, and then to the rear buckles of the belt. The left and right hand ammunition pouches consisted of five individual pockets, three underneath and two above, the shoulder strap is buckled to the top of the set and passed behind and underneath, there is a diagonal 1" strap leading to the rear, this is to secure the lower portion of the pack. When the rifle ammo pouches are not worn, these shoulder straps can be attached to a pair of brace attachments, or simply looped about the belt. A haversack is supplied that can be worn in a variety of positions, and methods. In this example it is worn hanging below the waist belt, but it can be also worn in the middle of the back, the lower 1 inch buckles, fixed to two 1 inch diagonal straps coming from the ammo pouches or the 'brace' attachments. An entrenching tool carrier, and water bottle carrier are also worn at or below the waist. The entrenching tool is a two piece device and the handle of which is carried strapped to the bayonet scabbard, and attached to the bayonet frog. This piece is call the 'helve carrier' or 'helve attachment' and is probably one of the most difficult pieces to locate today. A large pack was also carried and this was almost universally carried only on the back. Two long 1 inch straps were required to be used when fitting the large pack, these are known as the valise straps. The mess tin was carrier where convenient, usually in the haversack.
The D-shaped
mess tin had it's own cover, which was a canvas cover, usually enveloped
shaped, but numerous variations have been seen. There were other equipment
carriers that were made for this equipment. Seen here is a frog for the
folding wire cutters, but there are also carriers for the grenade cup discharger,
and other items.
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