British SAS Escape & Evasion Ration Pouch

'44 Patt Mess Tin / SAS Escape type pouch Country: British Standard Issue To: -
Special Issue To: - Era: 1960-90s Date Of Manufacture: -


An unusual pouch modified by a parachute rigger. It originally was a side pouch on a '44 Patt Small Pack, removed and modified for belt wear.

Near identical to the SAS Escape Pouch, it's my theory that the SAS Escape Pouch was based on these improvised pouches. The Malayan Scouts (later renamed 21 SAS) used Bergens on jungle ops. What other soldiers would normally carry in the issue '44 Small Packs were, for the SAS, instead carried in the much larger bergen - with heaploads more kit. But if the bergen was dumped, SAS soldiers had no issue pouch for an escape and evasion kit. An easy modification to make from the side pouches of the Small Pack, it stands to reason that they had local tailors convert the Small Packs into what later became Escape Pouches. It's well known that they used local tailors to make up bespoke magazine pouches, etc.

This pouch has double row belt loops, exactly like SAS Escape Pouch. (I'll add a comparison picture if I can find one) It can be worn on the belt or "dropped" below. There are no ordnance markings on this item - these would have been on the lid of the Small Pack.

A webbing SAS pouch designed for carrying emergency escape items. 

Marked  “POUCH RATION ESCAPE” 

Made of olive green webbing with quick release faster; two suspension loops; green waterproof lining.


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