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Breadbag strap

Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 12:26 am
by Raffles
I was wondering when this item would be used as I'm struggling to think of a situation when a soldier would be without their belt to attach the breadbag to.
Was this for support staff or some other use?

Re: Breadbag strap

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 3:20 pm
by Halle
Right , since no one else is going to say anything...

They were made and issued with the bags , so it was possible to lighten the load on the belt , especially before Y straps were issued . They were often placed around the neck attached to the ammo pouches before said Y straps were issued .

There is a picture , quite well known , of a POW in Italy with his bread bag hanging from his strap , over his shoulder.

Re: Breadbag strap

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 6:03 pm
by kiler
Few examples:

Re: Breadbag strap

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 6:09 pm
by kiler
And of course on the helmets:

Re: Breadbag strap

Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 3:14 pm
by Raffles
Thanks for that, I had always wondered but now I've seen the use as emergency y-straps it makes more sense.

Re: Breadbag strap

Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 8:09 pm
by Halle
kiler wrote:And of course on the helmets:
Thanks Kiler , great pictures- forgot about the helmet :wink:

Re: Breadbag strap

Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 4:00 pm
by saddler
Raffles wrote:Thanks for that, I had always wondered but now I've seen the use as emergency y-straps it makes more sense.
Yes - that's THE main reason they were issued....emergency Y-straps
OR, the first reply to your question sums up the primary reason:
Halle wrote:They were made and issued with the bags , so it was possible to lighten the load on the belt
In addition to making the load carried on the belt somewhat lighter the bread-bag being carried off the belt also meant space on the belt became free for other kit if so required.

Re: Breadbag strap

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2016 7:08 pm
by paulmfjr2
A bread bag with strap was often used by grenadiers being transported in vehicles as its easier to remove so you can embark/disembark, or dump if you need to be light on your feet for assaults or patrols.