British ‘Battle-Jerkin’ H&S 1943

RARE original WWII British ‘Battle Jerkin’, also known as ‘Assault Jerkin’, in good used 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 D-Day assault troops. This Battle-Jerkin shows normal traces of wear. Maker marked by H&S and dated 1943 (faded, but visible if you know where to look) in size Large. Strings and toggles are present; one wooden toggle on the backpack is missing. Otherwise complete.

A truly rare find, seldom available on the market. An excellent example that would be of particular interest to advanced collectors of British and Canadian militaria.