the battle field

[peter blackwell]

What sort of equipment would the aveage soldier be expected to carry in to battle? thanks pete

[Colin W Taylor]

Pete,

 

This is a difficult one to answer without knowing some background to your request - it might depend on what stage of the war you are interested, what country he was fighting in, what his role was in battle or even what division or regiment/corps he was in. Googling 'WW1 British infantry equipment' for some general images is a starter; but, again, it depends on what area you are looking at. 

 

Regards

 

Colin

[peter blackwell]

thanks royal welsh fusiliers serving at Gallipoli, and Mesopotamia

[Sapper D.]

Quoted form Osprey's "The British Army 1914-18:

 

Private, R. Sussex Regt, Sinaï 1916-17:

Large pack, containing: greatcoat, holdall, waistcoat and cardigan, shaving kit, towel and soap, brush and comb, housewife, spare boots, socks and laces, drill or serge jacket, comforter, underclothes, ground sheet.

On the lage pack a bivouac pole.

And, obviously, his normal fighting equipment and weapon.

[peter blackwell]

Thanks very much pete 

[peter blackwell]

Can anybody please tell me, why Pith helmets were issued and not steel helmets at Gallipoli?

[Moonraker]

The Gallipoli Campaign ended with the evacuation in January 1916, before the steel helmet was in general usage.

 

(Cue for another discussion as to when it was introduced. See this thread and the link in Post 2.

 

Moonraker

[peter blackwell]

thanks trying link now pete

[BullerTurner]

On 14/04/2019 at 10:04, Sapper D. said:

Quoted form Osprey's "The British Army 1914-18:

 

Private, R. Sussex Regt, Sinaï 1916-17:

Large pack, containing: greatcoat, holdall, waistcoat and cardigan, shaving kit, towel and soap, brush and comb, housewife, spare boots, socks and laces, drill or serge jacket, comforter, underclothes, ground sheet.

On the lage pack a bivouac pole.

And, obviously, his normal fighting equipment and weapon.

 

Water bottle too, oh and a first field dressing.  The later years would also see a respirator too.  Some individuals would be designated to carry items like wire-cutters.Don't forget the "unexpired portion of the day's ration"!  A description that fascinated me...not to be confused with I ron rations. 

Edited 17 April , 2019 by BullerTurner