....
..
xx
xx
Under Construction
15/07/2015
http://www.canadianmilitaryhistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Iarocci-Equipment-of-the-Canadian-Infantryman-1939-1982-A-Material-Historical-Assessment.pdf
Despite the very British appearance of Canadian soldiers operating in Northwest Europe during 1944-45, evidence suggests that Canadian relations with Great Britain and the United States were undergoing a process of change during the war years. In particular, the Canadian Army began to look toward its American counterpart for innovations in field uniforms and equipment. A comprehensive study conducted by the Canadian Chiefs of Staff Sub-Committee on Protective Clothing and Personal Equipage during 1943-44 demonstrates this trend. The first volume, Cold Weather Operational Trials of Rations and Equipment, reveals that just as many American items as British items were tested. 5 And in the second volume , Cold Weather Operational Trials of Body Clothing, there is a similar trend, except that the number of American items tested exceeded the British items by about 50 percent.6 As a result, it is not surprising tha t strange Anglo-American hybrids appeared as the Canadian government rushed to re-equip its Army at the outbreak of the Korean War. Period photographs of Canadian soldiers outfitted with a mixture of Canadian and American kit are not uncommon
Ultimately the 1951 pattern equipment system would replace the 1937 pattern in Canadian service (plate K). Unlike the 1937 pattern, the 1951 pattern was a Canadian design, and was not used by any other army. This fact in itself suggests that the Canadian Army was moving away from th British sphere of influence. We also begin to recognize greater evidence of American influences. Although the basic shape of the 1951 pattern superficially resembled the 1937 pattern, features of the American model 1910 equipment family are obvious.7 The 1951 pattern canteen and carrier are almost identical to the American type. And the hooks with which pieces of equipment (such as the canteen carrier) are suspended from the belt are identical to the American style (plate L). Finally, the folding entrenching spade included in the 1951 pattern equipment is a near exact copy of the American model 1943 (plate F). However, the general shape of the basic pouches, resembling the British pattern, was preserved. The retention of the basic pouch concept suggests some uncertainty about the type of small arms that would be used by the Canadian Army in the immediate future. By 1951, the Canadian Army was equipped with a mixture of British and American small arms. 8 The 1951 pattern ammunition pouches were thus designed so that any variety of small arms ammunition could be carried. Unfortunately, it appears that the pouches were too deep to be suitable for any one type of rifle ammunition stored in magazines rather than charger clips. While bulky items such as mortar bombs an d grenades could also be carried, the durability of the 1951 pattern pouches was inferior to the 1937 pattern. The newer type could not sustain intensive field use. After settling upo n the Belgian-designed 7.62 mm self-loading rifle during the 1950s, the Canadian Army adopted a new system of equipment designated the 1964 pattern
Ultimately the 1951 pattern equipment system would replace the 1937 pattern in Canadian service (plate K). Unlike the 1937 pattern, the 1951 pattern was a Canadian design, and was not used by any other army. This fact in itself suggests that the Canadian Army was moving away from th British sphere of influence. We also begin to recognize greater evidence of American influences. Although the basic shape of the 1951 pattern superficially resembled the 1937 pattern, features of the American model 1910 equipment family are obvious.7 The 1951 pattern canteen and carrier are almost identical to the American type. And the hooks with which pieces of equipment (such as the canteen carrier) are suspended from the belt are identical to the American style (plate L). Finally, the folding entrenching spade included in the 1951 pattern equipment is a near exact copy of the American model 1943 (plate F). However, the general shape of the basic pouches, resembling the British pattern, was preserved. The retention of the basic pouch concept suggests some uncertainty about the type of small arms that would be used by the Canadian Army in the immediate future. By 1951, the Canadian Army was equipped with a mixture of British and American small arms. 8 The 1951 pattern ammunition pouches were thus designed so that any variety of small arms ammunition could be carried. Unfortunately, it appears that the pouches were too deep to be suitable for any one type of rifle ammunition stored in magazines rather than charger clips. While bulky items such as mortar bombs an d grenades could also be carried, the durability of the 1951 pattern pouches was inferior to the 1937 pattern. The newer type could not sustain intensive field use. After settling upo n the Belgian-designed 7.62 mm self-loading rifle during the 1950s, the Canadian Army adopted a new system of equipment designated the 1964 pattern
Based on the 1937pattern gear, the 1951 pattern also displays fresh innovation and American influence. Next to the left basic pouch on Plate Kl is the new canteen and cover, patterned after the U.S. Model 1910. Beside this is the bayonet for the No. 4 rifle, and then the new pattern carrier for the mess tins. At right is the second basic pouch. The small pack has changed little from the 1937 pattern, except that a tool frog has been added so that the 1951 pattern entrenching tool could, be carried, as shown. This arrangement is taken directly from the American Model 1944 and 1945 combat packs. The canteen and mess tin carrier are suspended from the belt in the American fashion, with bent-wire hooks. However, these two pieces are also supported by the left and right brace ends, as in the 1937 pattern.
No comments:
Post a Comment