In 1951 a new pattern of web equipment was approved for the Canadian Army. In general it was similar to 1937 Pattern, however many features were drawn from American designs. It was made in a tightly woven green cotton web with blackened brass fittings. Eyelets were provided on the belt for the attachment of equipment items. 1951 Pattern web was used well into the late 1960's, until it was replaced by 1964 Pattern equipment. With the exception of the pistol holster and the brace attachment, 1951 Pattern web was not whitened for use by Provost.
1951 Pattern web is still issued to prisoners in the Military Prison in Edmonton as it is difficult and time consuming to clean and maintain.
The basic set of 1951 Pattern Equipment for soldiers armed with a rifle or submachinegun consisted of:
waistbelt
pair of braces
pair of basic pouches
mess tins and carrier
canteen, canteen cup and carrier
bayonet frog and bayonet
small pack
Left side of the basic set showing from left to right: basic pouch set in the upper position, messtin carrier and bayonet.
Right side of the basic set showing from left to right: canteen and carrier and basic pouch set in the lower position.
Waistbelt
The Basic Pouch was designed to hold rifle or SMG magazines, grenades or 2 inch mortar bombs.
Rear view of the Basic Pouch. The belt was run through either of the pairs of loops, allowing the pouch to be worn high or low on the belt.
The basic pouch in place on the belt, with the brace attached.
Detail of the method of attaching the brace.
1951 Pattern canteen and carrier
1951 Pattern canteen. American designed, Canadian manufactured, used until the early 1960s.
The basic set issued to officers and soldiers armed with the pistol consisted of:
waistbelt
pair of braces
pair of brace attachments
pistol holster
compass case
binocular case
A canteen and messtins were added as required. Officers armed with a submachinegun usually added one or more basic pouches to their equipment in order to carry spare magazines.
View of the method of attaching the compass case and brace attachment to the waistbelt.
View of the method of attaching the pistol holster to the waistbelt.
The compass case was similar to the 1937 Pattern case and was stiffened and lined with felt to protect the compass from damage.
Interior view of the compass case showing the felt padding.
The brace attachment was identical to the 1937 Pattern brace attachment except for the colour of the material.
1951 Pattern holster for the Browning Hi Power pistol.
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