British ‘Assault Jerkin’ – H&S 1942

RARE Original WWII British ‘Assault Jerkin’, also known as ‘Battle Jerkin’, in nice worn condition. The Battle Jerkin was developed in 1942 by Colonel Rivers-MacPherson for the British Army and introduced in 1943. History has it that he disliked the Pattern 37 web gear in common use at the time and took the opportunity to design something he thought more efficient. Typically made of heavy-duty canvas or similar materials, providing durability in combat conditions. It had multiple sewn-in pouches and pockets for carrying ammunition, grenades, and other essential equipment, making it more efficient than the belt-based webbing systems. The brown Battle-Jerkins were heavily issued to British and Canadian assault troops of the 21st Army Group. This Battle Jerkin is a very rare 1942-dated example and seldom comes on the market. Maker marked by H&S and dated 1942 in size Medium. Strings for gascape are also present to both shoulders. All strings and toggles are present.

A truly rare find, seldom available on the market.