Soldier's Load; North Africa

Notes From Theatres of War, No. 13, North Africa—Algeria and Tunisia November 1942–March 1943; The War Office, May, 1943

Equipment carried on the man

The following were carried on the man:…

• 100 rounds S.A.A.
• 3 grenades (one No. 36, two No. 69).
• 2 sandbags each (tied on legs or haversack).
• 1 pick or shovel per man.
• Bren gun and magazines (spare magazines distributed amongst the section).
• Sub machine gun and magazines (spare magazines distributed amongst the section).
• Bangalore torpedoes (2 or 3 per company).
• Gas-cape.
• Shaving kit.
• Water bottle.
• Rations for following day together with one day's reserve and emergency (chocolate) ration.

As much ammunition as possible was carried on the man, and experience showed that the following could be carried in addition to reserve rations and personal equipment:…

• .303 – 100 rounds per rifleman.
• .303 – 8 magazines per LMG.
• .303 – 4 belts (each of 250 rounds) per MMG.
• .45 – 200 rounds per machine carbine.
• 2-in mortar – 12 bombs per mortar.
• 3-in mortar – 24 bombs per platoon.
• Grenades – average of two per man throughout the unit.

Posted by regimentalrogue at 12:01 AM EST

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