British (Canadian) Battle Jerkin – H&S 1943

Original WWII British Battle Jerkin, also known as the Assault Jerkin, manufactured by H&S, dated 1943 and size Medium.

This is a particularly interesting Canadian-used example. At some point during its wartime service, parts of the original fastening arrangement were field modified using web straps taken from Canadian web anklets, rather than retaining the usual strings and wooden toggles. This modification appears entirely consistent with wartime use and should not be confused with the postwar alterations sometimes encountered on Battle Jerkins converted for hunting or civilian purposes. According to its provenance, the jerkin was found in the Netherlands in 1945 and retained by the person who picked it up. Approximately 20 years ago it was acquired directly from this source by a good friend, together with several pieces of insignia, including 3rd Canadian Infantry Division badges.

The Battle Jerkin was developed as an alternative to the standard Pattern 1937 web equipment, allowing ammunition, grenades and other essential equipment to be carried in the numerous integral pockets and pouches. It is particularly associated with British and Canadian assault troops during the Normandy campaign and D-Day period. The jerkin remains in good, untouched used condition, with genuine wear and staining. Clearly maker marked by H&S, date 1943 and size Medium. The small integral pouch intended for the No. 4 rifle spike bayonet removed. Many Battle Jerkins were reportedly discarded or abandoned after the Normandy landings because troops found them less practical than expected, making surviving wartime-used examples especially desirable.

A genuine wartime Battle Jerkin with longstanding Netherlands provenance and period Canadian field modifications. An excellent piece for an advanced British or Canadian Normandy collection.