Topic: Soldiers' Load
The Soldier's Load, Canadian Militia (1868)
Canadian Volunteer's Hand Book for Field Service, compiled by Major T.C. Scoble, 37th Battalion (Haldimand Rifles), C. V. M., 1868
On assembling his men the officer commanding should personally inspect each man, and ascertain that he has proper articles of clothing under his uniform, and that he is provided with suitable boots for marching.
He will also, at the first muster-parade, personally ascertain that each man is in possession of the articles of equipment below enumerated, and will immediately report any deficiencies to the commanding officer of his battalion, who will report to the district staff officer:—
- 1 rifle with small stores complete.
- 1 set of accoutrements capable of carrying 60 rounds.
- 1 knapsack and straps complete, with canteen if supplied.
- 1 haversack.
- 60 rounds of ball ammunition.
- 1 water bottle or canteen.
- 1 great coat.
- [The Following] should be in every man's knapsack, or haversack; provided by the men themselves.
- 1 change shirt, flannel or cotton.
- 1 do. pair socks.
- Needle and thread,
- Knife, fork, spoon, tin plate.
- Piece of soft soap,
- Towel, brush, and comb.
- 1 pint tin mug with handle, if no knapsacks are supplied.
- 1 day's rations bread and cooked meat.
- 1 small packet of salt.
Where a corps placed on actual service is ordered away from its permanent head quarters, if the men be furnished with knapsacks, the commanding officer will not allow any of his men to take with them any other article of baggage.
When any volunteer corps placed on actual service is sent away from its permanent head quarters, every man will be supplied with a good pair of boots, on application being made by the commanding officer to the district staff officer; for which a stoppage will be made from his pay of 25 cents per week for short boots (price $1.50) or 35 cents per week for long boots (price ) until the cost price be made good." (Regulations respecting Volunteer Militia)
Forage caps should be worn. The haversack should be put on first, and hang in the hollow of the left side; the pouch-belt next, so arranged that the pouch may lie well in the centre of the small of the back: the waist-belt above, and confining the pouch-belt, rather tightly than otherwise; the water-bottle in the hollow of the right side, as close under the armpit as possible; the great-coat folded flat 20x16 inches; strapped well up on the shoulder, if great-coat straps are used, with the slides of the straps protecting the arms; the right upper-strap passed through the handle of the tin cup. Stocks should be worn.
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