Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Woolen Puttees - World War 1

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Overview

Puttees, were a type of legging used by Australian soldiers during World War 1. Each puttee consists of a 2.75 m length of woollen fabric hemmed on both edges . A 1.62 m cotton tape secured the puttee. They were worn wrapped around the lower leg in a spiral pattern to provide ankle support and prevent debris and water from entering the boots or breeches.

Historical information

The name Puttee was derived from the Hindi “Patti” bandage, which was wrapped from the ankle to below the knee. For dismounted troops and infantry, the puttee was wrapped around the lower part of the leg, starting on the top part of the ankle boot and ending below the knee, overlapping itself as it spiralled up the leg. For mounted troops and artillery not issued leather gaiters, puttees were wrapped from the knee down to the boot so that the securing tape could not be undone by contact with the saddle.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-401

Inscriptions and markings

Many Australian soldiers developed a painful medical condition during their service on the Western Front called trench foot. The primary causes were wet feet and unsanitary conditions but puttees were also partly to blame as they limited circulation to the lower leg and foot if wrapped too tightly.

Contextual Information

Examples of soldiers wearing puttees may be found throughout displays relating to World War 1 at the Australian Army Museum of WA including both Australian and Turkish soldiers. Visitors can handle puttees and try wrapping them at the gallery cart in the 1917 area of the World War 1 gallery.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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