M-1956 Cotton First Aid/Compass Case

M-1956 Cotton First Aid/Compass Case

NSN: (FSN) 8465-577-4927

1ST PATTERN M1956 FIRST AID/COMPASS POUCH. CONTRACT INFORMATION IS FADED BUT READABLE. MFG TO A 1960 CONTRACT, POUCH WAS INTENDED TO CARRY A SMALL FIRST AID BANDAGE OR COMPASS

M56 First Pattern Cotton Case

DUE TO 2ND PATTERN SPECIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS THE FIRST AID/COMPASS POUCH WAS IMPROVED BY THE ADDITION OF REINFORCED STITCHING ON THE SIDES OF POUCH 

2nd Pattern M1956 Cotton First Aid/Compass Case

MANUFACTURE OF 1ST PATTERN M1956 GEAR WAS MADE IN FEWER NUMBERS THAN 2ND SPECIFICATION M1956 GEAR WHICH WENT ON TO BE MASS PRODUCED WITH THE U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN VIETNAM IN 1965. ALTHOUGH IMPROVED UPON 1ST PRODUCTION M56 COMPONENTS WERE USED ALONG WITH THE OTHER IMPROVED COMPONENTS OF THE M56 GEAR THROUGH OUT THE WAR.

With the adoption of the M1956 equipment, a single simple Dressing or Compass Case replaced both the M1938 Compass Case and the M1910 and M1942(Carlisle) Dressing Pouches. This case could accommodate one each of either the standard lensatic compass or one of several individual field dressings in the inventory. A top flap closed by means of a blackened brass snap and the canvas case could be attached to the webbing by means of a single slide keeper. Later production models incorporated a metal-rimmed drainage eyelet at the bottom of the pouch. Each soldier was issued one case for carrying a field dressing, and those whose duties required them to carry the standard unmounted lensatic compass carried another for that piece of equipment. Placement varied with unit standards, but this case was often mounted in one of three places. Either on the horizontal straps on the suspenders (either shoulder and either right-side up or upside down for quick access), on the pistol belt between the buckle and ammunition case, or on the piece of webbing on the side of the ammunition case intended for the attachment of grenades.