Sunday 21st November 1915: the adjutant of the 8th Battalion
tells us that they are changing their equipment. They were supposed to receive
1908 pattern webbing for front line service but, as there has been a shortage,
have actually gone to France with 1914 pattern leather equipment which imitates
the 1908 pattern webbing but in a more easily manufactured form. The 1908
pattern is beginning to be issued today.
This webbing
is made from woven cotton and is stronger and more durable than leather. Each
man has: a 3 inch wide belt; two braces each 2 inches wide; ten cartridge
pouches each holding three clips of five rounds (meaning a total of 150 rounds
is carried); a frog for the bayonet connecting the scabbard to the belt; a
water bottle and carrier; a haversack; a valise with two straps and an
entrenching tool with separate carriers for the head and the haft.
The Battalion
is currently at A Camp near Ypres and will be inspected by their general
officer commanding, Brigadier C L Nicholson at 10 o’clock this morning.
The adjutant
has just informed us that hostile aircraft have made a bombing run on the camp.
No damage, however, seems to have been done.
Source: X550/9/1
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