Original WWI 1908 Pattern Small Pack. MISC 903. Original WWI 1908 Pattern Small Pack. MISC 903. Antique & Militaria

The word haversack is an adaptation of the German Hafersack and also the Dutch haverzak meaning "oat sack", (which more properly describes a small cloth bag on a strap worn over one shoulder and originally referred to the bag of oats carried as horse fodder). The term was adopted by both the English and French (as havresac) cavalry in the 17th century. Only the British had adopted webbing load carrying equipment in 1908 and this consisted of a wide belt, left and right ammunition pouches which held seventy-five rounds each, left and right braces, a bayonet frog (leather sheath) and attachment for the entrenching tool handle, an entrenching tool head in web cover, water bottle carrier, small haversack and large pack. A mess tin inside a khaki cloth cover was worn attached to one of the packs. Inside the haversack were personal items, knife and when on Active Service, unused portions of the daily ration. This small pack is marked inside the flap ‘C.R.L.M’ with a war department arrow above ‘AA 1018’ and hand written ‘J EVANS’. The pack is in overall good condition with use related stains. The stitching and buckles are all in good order. The price for this piece of history includes UK delivery. MISC 903.