Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

1912 Universal Pattern Saddle Equipage - Circular Mess Tin or Dixie

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Overview

Circular two-part dixie or mess tin with leather carrying case issued to mounted trrrops including Light Horse regiments.

Historical information

During WW1 the Australian Army made a great deal of use of a large number of mounted infantry (Light Horse Regiments). Universal Pattern saddles were designed to have interchangeable parts, making them easy to repair. A number of accoutrements were designed to attach to the saddle. Leather saddle wallets went to the front of the saddle and a mess tin, horse shoe case (which was also a sword frog for the cavalry - Australians were issued a sword in 1918), and a feed bag. The horse shoe carrier was issued with each soldier with a saddle. Other personal equipment found its way onto the saddle. According to an ex-light horseman, once the other blanket, greatcoat and other equipment was piled up to the front and rear of the saddle seat, it was impossible to fall off.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-727

Inscriptions and markings

Some users distinguish between mess tins and dixies designating items for individual use as mess tins and larger bulk cooking containers as dixies. In contemporary usage the terms have become interchangeable.

Contextual Information

A mounted trooper fully kitted on horseback is presented in the World War 1 Gallery, Desert Mounted Corps exhibition.

Links to additional resources

Infantry Mess Kit

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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