39 Pattern Webbing facts for kids
The 1939 pattern webbing was a special type of equipment used by soldiers during World War II. It helped them carry important items like ammunition, water bottles, and tools. This particular version was made from leather, unlike the more common 1937 pattern, which was made from treated cotton.
Why Leather? The Story of the 1939 Webbing
At the start of World War II in 1939, the British Army grew very quickly. It went from about 200,000 soldiers to 2,000,000! This huge increase happened because of a law called National Service. This law meant more people had to join the army, and soldiers who were on standby (called reservists) were also called up.
Because so many people joined the army so fast, there wasn't enough equipment for everyone. The usual equipment, called the 1937 pattern webbing, was made from treated cotton. The factories making it just couldn't keep up with the huge demand.
To solve this problem, the British government asked companies that worked with leather to create a new type of equipment. This wasn't the first time this had happened. During World War I, the army faced a similar issue. Back then, they used the 1908 pattern webbing. To fix the shortage, they introduced the 1914 pattern web, which was also made of leather.
How Was It Different?
The main difference between the 1937 pattern and the 1939 pattern webbing was the material. The 1937 pattern was cotton, and the 1939 pattern was leather. Another key difference was that the 1939 pattern did not come with a backpack. If soldiers needed a backpack, they would use the 1937 pattern haversacks and packs.
The government first ordered one million sets of this new leather equipment. However, unlike the 1914 pattern used in World War I, the 1939 pattern was never used in actual battles on the front lines. It was mainly used for training soldiers. It was also given to soldiers who worked behind the battle lines, including members of the UK Home Guard.
Once the factories could make enough of the 1937 pattern webbing again, the 1939 pattern was taken out of use by the British Army. It was then given to the armies of other countries, like the Belgian, Dutch, Czech, and Polish forces. The Belgian and Dutch armies even continued to use it after the war ended.
See also
- 1908 pattern webbing
- 1914 pattern webbing
- 1937 pattern webbing
- 1958 pattern webbing
