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Versions of the M-1936 Musette Bags and Straps


Fiziwater
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For those just becoming familiar with, if not fascinated by, the Army's M-1936 musette bag, here is a

side-by-side of 3 versions.

 

Left: Standard khaki bag (dated 1943) with a khaki D-ring strap in foreground.

Center: British-made bag (dated 1944) with its wire hooks and distinctive buckles, and khaki, British-made D-ring strap in foreground.

Right: Late-war OD No. 7 bag (dated 1945) with equipment tab on the front flap, and OD No. 7 D-ring strap in foreground.

 

All three bags have the internal dividers, and a small side pocket and large rear pocket, which fasten with metal buttons, except the British-made bag which uses a snap fastener.

 

Bottom photo: The general purpose strap with snap hooks which replaced the D-ring straps.

post-152782-0-29398500-1415922409.jpg

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Dave,

Yeah. I like that bag, too.

Here's a close-up of the hook that the British used. I'll follow this with a pic of the buckle, with it's split end, which may not be as clear in the group shot.

post-152782-0-02454300-1415926855.jpg

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I've always wondered how much these were really used? They seem like a popular piece of equipment amongst collectors sand reenactors, but other than some paratroops, you almost never see them being carried in original photos (or at least I haven't).

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Actually, they were widely used in all theaters, although not the official combat pack. The M1928 pack was such a hassle that the simplicity of the musette appealed to troops beyond those it was officially issued to, like paratroopers.

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The US Army didn't just have a "pick-your-own" section in the stores for packs... your unit was issued what it was given, which hopefully followed the T/O&E.

 

For example, 36th AIR from 3rd Armored have M36 packs as a rule in the ETO, whereas 41st AIR from 2nd Armored had the M28 pack as a rule (except for NCO's and Officers by the looks of it). At least for until the packs were removed from the sides of the vehicles and everything that you didn't relegate to the supply GMC was stored in kit bags inside the 'tracks instead...

 

Have a look at pics of 2nd Infantry in Czech in 1945 - M28 Packs on most EM, which the odd M44 pack on replacements, and Officers with M36 packs. Just as you'd expect.

 

Cheers,

Glen.

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As Glen states, the idea that WWII GI's preferred this or that and got to pick and choose what they carried is a collector/reenactor fantasy. Infantry, by and large used the Haversack, whether they liked it or not. The M1936 Field Bag was issued to officer's, mounted personnel (including vehicle mounted) and specialist personnel, not whoever wanted one. And yes, parachute infantrymen are specialist personnel.

 

And this would do much better in the field gear section.

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I've always wondered how much these were really used? They seem like a popular piece of equipment amongst collectors sand reenactors, but other than some paratroops, you almost never see them being carried in original photos (or at least I haven't).

 

 

I find them quite often in Army Air Corps officers groups.One group I have is from a 390thBG pilot who was from the area.Another was a Troop Carrrier Command pilot who I havent had luck researching.There is a Glider pilot group I have with one in it as well.

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  • 2 weeks later...

What is the history/theory of the rubberized, "waterproof" M-1936 Musette Bag? Years ago the story was that they were issued to Rangers. Any validity to that? Thanks, guys!

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What is the history/theory of the rubberized, "waterproof" M-1936 Musette Bag? Years ago the story was that they were issued to Rangers. Any validity to that? Thanks, guys!

 

No, and they weren't a special paratrooper version either, as is often stated. The early versions of the bag were made from a waterproof cotton cloth. Later versions were made from the same type of cotton duck cloth as other field gear. There's nothing more significant about it than that.

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Hangtough506th

Need to photograph some f mine really! Many variations, nearly all different makers. Added a few more since that photo was taken

16580_561883200537491_2064709762_n.jpg?o

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

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