1937 Pattern Web Equipment (also known as '37 Webbing') was an item of military load-carrying equipment. It replaced the 1908 Pattern and 1925 Pattern—on which it was based—and was standard issue for British and Commonwealth troops from its introduction in 1937, throughout World War II, and in the post-war period until it was superseded by 58 pattern webbing.
Contents |
During the 1930s the introduction of new weapons such as the Bren light machine gun and the planned mechanisation of the British Army led to the need for the development of an updated design for the Army's basic load carrying equipment.[1] The introduction of the weapons with high rates of fire meant that soldiers' had a requirement to carry more ammunition than previously, while mechanisation meant that soldiers had to be able to move freely within the confines of their vehicles.[1] The increasingly complex nature of combat and different roles that soldiers and members of the other Services were being required to undertake meant that the new design needed to be flexible, thus it was decided that it would consist of interchangeable components, which could be modified to suit the individual needs of a soldier based on his role.[1]
The design was confirmed on 8 June 1938 and wide-scale issue began in 1939.[1] Towards the end of World War II, some 37 Webbing was produced in jungle green for troops fighting in the Pacific Theatre, although purpose-made 44 Pattern Webbing was then introduced for the humid jungle conditions, being lighter in weight, quicker drying, and rot-proofed.[2]
Although 44 Pattern continued in use with the British Army for jungle warfare in its various post-World War II colonial conflicts, it did not replace 37 Pattern in general service, which was in use up until the introduction of 58 Pattern. However, 37 Pattern was used for ceremonial purposes and still issued to Cadets in the 1990s.
1937 Pattern Webbing was made from cotton webbing, which was waterproofed and dyed before being woven.[3] The fittings were made of stamped brass—blackened steel post war—and it was produced by various manufacturers. It was produced in a khaki colour for the Army, which could then be dyed with Blanco, most often to a light-green shade, and blue-grey for the Royal Air Force (the latter using the earlier 1925 issue ammunition pouch and holster for their issued revolvers in conjunction with 37 Pattern gear). Military Police blancoed their webbing white.[4]
Standard components included a belt (issued in sizes N and L), cross straps, cartridge pouches for .303 magazines (which gave way to 'universal' ammunition pouches to carry ammunition for an array of infantry weapons then in use by the British Army, in addition to grenades), a carrier for the waterbottle, and a small pack.[5] The large (1908) pack—intended to be carried in regimental transport except when in full marching order—and entrenching tool carrier were retained from World War I issue, although the later was initially issued in modified form before being reintroduced in 1941.[6] Frogs for the 1907 SMLE and No.4 Rifle bayonets were also issued.[7] Different combinations of these components comprised the 'marching order' and the 'battle order' respectively. In addition various items were issued to be used by officers, and often armoured crewmen, such as pouches for binoculars, pistol ammunition and compasses (externally the same that for pistol ammunition but with felt padding inside), as well as a 'valise' side pack and holster for the .38 revolver (a tank crew version with leg strap also existed in two versions).[8][9]
Also issued were a number of items that conformed to 37 Pattern in their fittings and materials but were not strictly part of the set, such as a bandolier for Sten magazines as issued to airborne troops, and the spare barrel bag and parts wallet for the Bren gun.[10]