British 1944 Pattern Web Belts

[@rockywr]

Very informative and never knew these ever existed, nicely done. I was army cadets in the 60's and joined up in 71 as an apprentice but got the 37 pattern for drill and buff belt for major parades. The buff was replaced by black plastic and was issued 58 pattern (American type) after that on joining regulars.

[@RiflemanMoore]

Got you, interesting to hear you didn't come across these in your service. When you say buff do you mean the old leather belt? Glad you found the video interesting!

[@rockywr]

@@RiflemanMoore Yes we called it the Buff belt and was usually 'meltonia' white. But, as I said it was starting to phase out with the Army Apprentices. I joined the band as a hobby during my time and we were given the black plastic belt with an oblong shaped centre connector but had the Royal Corps of Signals (Jimmy) on it. The buff belt was the normal circular type of connector with Dieu et mon droit around it if I recall correctly. That belt was replaced with the said black plastic belt for everyone in 1972.. we also had B.D. trousers issued for Drill only haha... modern army my bottom... We had 37 pattern webbing and it was 1971 for christs sake.... anyway we had to use that for the 2 or 3 years we were in the Apprentice college. The first unit we went to issued 58 pattern except of course in Cyprus which only had, yup... you've guessed it 37 pattern webbing. in 1974 just after the coup the older Brit tourists were impressed we had that webbing when we were getting them out of Famagusta... I didn't get 58 pattern until I joined a new unit in Germany.

[@rockywr]

@@RiflemanMoore this is the belt... www.wyedeanstores.com/white-buff-leather-british-army-waist-belt-no-7 cleaning was another discipline altogether. After brasses and meltonian white we used an inverted metal bin (room issued) which had numerous belts already on it drying. We then 'buffed' the white with good old Izal toilet paper until it had a nice shine but, had to be careful as it would also crack when dried ..... not so good on parade.

[@Aaron-vk3mb]

@@RiflemanMoore my question is this: what part of this belt differs between the normal and large sizes? I would assume that it is the back piece or the front pieces which were manufactured in longer lengths, not all 3 as that makes little sense in ease of manufacturing. And in either case, how much longer were they? Thanks.

[@kaynebartholomew2994]

I have one dated 1961 and thought it was a first issue until I saw the buckles and clips on the second issue one that has me rethinking it. Not sure if I'm thrown because the belt was in an unissued/mint condition when I bought it or not but I may be just overthinking things.

[@coltonfalletti6360]

I like the idea of wearing the two front sections without the third section. I reenact Korea a lot, so I always have to readjust my gear to fit over my body armour (when I do late war). The concept of still being able to wear your webbing over thick body armour without having to adjust the belt makes me really envious of that system.

[@vjunaperoh]

Does anyone know the name of the buckle of this type of belt? I've been looking for it's name for years

[@Grahame59]

Very interesting. On the large size belts was it just the centre section that was longer or were the left and right sections also longer? Thanks.

[@RiflemanMoore]

I believe it was in fact the opposite with the left and right sections longer whilst the rear section remained the same.

[@militarymad2840]

Hello,I have an unissued 44 pattern belt stamped ME co and dated 1945 but is khaki coloured not green,is it rare as I have not seen any other like it.

[@RiflemanMoore]

Pretty rare, yes, as mentioned in other videos the khaki 1944 Pattern was an experimental version when the set was being considered for general issue. I'd love to see photos if you'd consider sharing in a message on FB?

[@MichaelR58]

Thanks for sharing once again, very informative, I learned something new 👍

[@RiflemanMoore]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@78022]

Very informative, Love your channel. Would you be able to do a video regarding the 37 Patt Large pack contents? Could I ask what the British soldiers used for their sleeping system ? was it blankets or a sleeping bag

[@RiflemanMoore]

Certainly something I can do in the future. It was primarily used to carry the greatcoat. This video will give you some idea from a WW1 context. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGLPY4KrrJumgrs

[@78022]

@@RiflemanMooreThanks for the update I appreciate you taking time to answer message, Did the soldiers have a sleeping bag or blankets ?

[@RiflemanMoore]

Sleeping bags are a much later addition as far as general issue kit is concerned, 1960s onwards really. Blankets were issued of course but weren't generally carried in the field.