What is the belt is that worn by the New Armies (Kitchener Volunteers)

[kevinclaire1]

My great grandfathers photo has been identified as a Royal Fusilier and i have been told that the belt he is shown wearing is for the New Armies (Kitchener Volunteers). Can anyone explain what this means as we have no further information at present. Thank you

[truthergw]

The men who answered Kitchener's call for volunteers were known as the New Armies. Equipment was non existent so they were kitted out in makeshift fashion and only slowly brought up to the proper standard as material became available. A lot of old kit was issued and it may be that this is where the belt came from. If you post a picture, pals on forum will be able to give you full detail.

[RobL]

There was no specific belt for new armies, but i'm assuming it's the 1914 pattern leather belt with the snake buckle, part of the 1914 pattern leather webbing equipment made to equip the vast numbers of new recruits, which ideally was replaced by 1908 pattern mills webbing equipment as soon as possible. Here's a photo of mine