M1944 & M1945 Pack System

[2ad82recon]

Guys and Girls here's another question that tends to cause outrage amongst the collective.

 

The use of the M44/45 pack during WW2.

 

Attached is the only known photo I have in my collection of the M44 being used by a 2nd Infantry Div GI in Domazlizce in Czechoslovakia in late April 1945

 

 

Any further proof that these indeed did get issued prior to April 1945 ?

[bilko1]

Not a great picture but it has all 3 types of packs, M28, M43, and M44.

 

[Costa]

The 44 pack is a nice item to have, that is if you can find them. One thing should be noted when dealing with military collectibles. Very often the guys in the field did not get the updated clothing and equiptment at all . Many were still outfitted with the issued WW1 style packs, belts, pouchs and more. It may explain why there are so few pictures of the guys with updated stuff. One vet once told me that we got what ever we could get our hands on! During the transition period 1943 when all the new stuff came out, a hell of alot of the guys never got it at all.

[bilko1]

True not all had the new generation kit but when Antwerp was opened up so were the gates [if you know what i mean].

 

I've a transitional M44 pack system all three parts dated 44 and I've a Boyt 45 combat pack and cargo pack just need the suspenders to finish.

[2ad82recon]

Dave, where is that picture taken?

 

BFryar thats a good clear concise picture see even at this late date he has what appears to be an uncovered M1910 T handle shovel under the pack flap.

 

Johan I have looked at that picture a million times and all I ever saw was Jungle Packs and Musettes.

[bilko1]

There's no date to the picture, but its in a book on the Remagan Bridge!

[bilko1]

What we need is a pic of a high numbered division, or any replacements, just before shipping out of the US for the ETO in late 44.

[craig_pickrall]

I had these done so I'm adding them to the mix. One is a duplicate of a pic shown above but it has some added info.

 

[craig_pickrall]

[craig_pickrall]

[craig_pickrall]

[craig_pickrall]

[craig_pickrall]

[craig_pickrall]

[craig_pickrall]

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...gopid=3373&

 

Look here for the FM21-15 Manual data concerning the M44 and M45 packs.

[Jan Wouters]

Here's my example. Not in the best condition but you can read it !

It's indeed a great help when you're dressing your mannequins !

[craig_pickrall]

The 1945 edition has been reprinted so it should be fairly easy to find a copy.

 

The name changed between the 1940 and the 1945 editions. The 1940 is great to have but it is very difficult to find. As far as I know it has not been reprinted.

 

[bilko1]

My M44 pack system.

 

Combat Pack, HINSON 1944

Cargo Pack, BRESLEE 1944

Suspenders, G&B 1944

 

As you see from the combat pack, they were still using up old stocks in 44 making this TRANSITIONAL.

 

I also have BOYT 45 combat and cargo packs but need to find a set of BOYT45 suspenders.

 

[2ad82recon]

Now to find a picture of the M-1945 in use during WW2.

[Gliderinf]

Can anyone who's got em, please show us your 44 and 45 pattern gear, especially if you can do side by sides, to show the differance.

 

I'll start off with M1945 Cargo (dated 51), especially looking to see 44 cargo and 45 straps.

[bilko1]

If a forum member wishes to include detailed colour pictures of any M44 or M45 field packs please do so to aid with different colour variations and reference.

[Gliderinf]

It seems to me that 45 and 44 suspenders are exactly the same, which means there is no such thing as 45 suspenders, just 44 suspnders dated later than 44?

 

Is this correct or can somebody show me some differance?

[artu44]

This is caught on ebay. An M1944 cargo pack converted to M1945. It was an usual operation? Could this item be collectable?

[bilko1]

Every thing is collectable artu, apart form me as I stop at 1945.

 

Didn't the M45 have larger pack attachment O ring and a D ring?

[rambob]

Here are my mint M44 pattern packs, obtained directly from a supply sargeant who "liberated" them during WWII. Along with all of the other mint, unissued stuff in the last attached picture. In one local, buy, I had a complete, mint M44 and M45 pack system to supplement my pack collection.