UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE AIF DURING WW2

Mark II Pattern Water Bottle Carrier

The design of the Mark II Pattern Water Bottle Carrier is a relic of the pre-World War One era. This particular style of water bottle carrier was subject to patent for Military service in 1905; having been modified from a previous design that came into existance two years earlier. Consisting of a leather 'skeleton' or cradle, the carrier is suspended on an adjustable leather strap with quarter inch roller "half buckle" and tongue, fashioned from brass or steel. This strap is topped by a canvas or cotton shoulder brace. They are almost always stamped with a maker's name and date of manufacture. It is also not uncommon to find items; issued during World War Two - with First World War dates. Another point of interest, is the fact that many Servicemen and women inscribed or stamped their names and/or serial numbers onto the carriers. A water bottle, issued to SX3558 Lance Sergeant Stanley Wilfred SEATON circa 1940; was returned to his daughter by the Medals Gone Missing Administrator in 2008. Over sixty years after it was issued to her father! You can find out more about this in our SUCCESS STORIES webpage by CLICKING HERE. Looked after, they are a very resilient piece of kit and are still commonly found and traded at Arms Fairs or online auction sites. The blue enamelled steel waterbottle is a Mark VI waterbottle with woollen cover. (This photo courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection). Wish to learn more about this piece of kit?  Visit our story on one particular waterbottle carrier which was issued multiple times during it's service life.   PLEASE CLICK HERE