My infantry Impression

[cookie]

I thought I'd put together a 'generic' infantry impression from my various uniform collections.

French infantryman, Tonkin Delta 1952-53.



The gear:

French Mle 49 bush hat.
US WWII M43 HBT green utility shirt
French North African Cheiche scarf
French Mle 47 combat trousers
French WWI Mle 17 hobnailed ankle boots

US M36 webbing suspenders
US M36 pistol belt
US M10 water bottle and cover
US M42 first aid pouch
British P37 universal ammo pouch (modified belt loop)
US M3 fighting knife in M8 plastic scabbard.

French MAS36 bolt action rifle.

[Legion Etrangere]

Cookie,

Great look.

Is that a P-37 khaki web universal pouch? I've seen the pics of them being used. How did you mount it on the belt?

[cookie]

Yes it is, standard, un blancoed, universal P37 ammo pouch. In theatre they were locally modified by removing the P37 belt fixtures and replacing them with a web or cloth loop at the top on the rear of the pouch. I cheated and got a P37 'MT' pouch, which to say, is a standard pouch which was made in the factory with a belt loop on the top rear instead of the usual hooks. They were for vehicle drivers who couldn't wear the normal infantry pouches due to being sat down in the vehicle cabs:

www.sofmilitary.co.uk/reenactors/index.asp

Go to British WWII - Webbing - P37 - page 11 at the bottom.

I have seen these in Belgium and on stalls here at shows for a few pounds.