World War 2 - 1937 Pattern Webbing

Post World war 1, the increasingly complex nature of combat and different roles that soldiers and members of the other services were being required to undertake, meant that the new design needed to be flexible, thus it was decided that it would consist of interchangeable components, which could be modified to suit the individual needs of a soldier based on his role. The design was confirmed on 8 June 1938 and wide-scale issue began in 1939
Standard components included a belt (issued in sizes Normal and Large), cross straps (called 'braces'), cartridge pouches for .303 ammunition (which gave way to 'universal' pouches to carry ammunition for an array of infantry weapons, in addition to grenades), a carrier for the waterbottle and a small pack. The large (1908) pack and entrenching tool carrier were retained from World War I issue, although the later was initially issued in modified form before being reintroduced in 1941. Frogs for the 1907 SMLE and No.4 Rifle bayonets were also issued.
Different combinations of these components comprised the 'marching order' and the 'battle order' respectively. In addition various items were issued to be used by officers and often armoured crewmen, such as pouches for binoculars, pistol ammunition and compass, as well as a 'valise' side pack and holster for the .38 revolver.
The webbing's last major operational use occurred during the Vietnam War where it was reissued in response to capacity shortcomings that had been identified in M1956 Load Carrying Equipment; in addition to full sets of webbing being fielded, individual components were combined with those from 1944 Pattern webbing and/or M1956 equipment and were often modified for reasons of compatibility, convenience, or both. Vietnam-era webbing was often dyed green, though undyed items remained in the supply system. Items of webbing were in use as late as 1970.