The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Pattern 1944 green three part waist belt, made of two side pieces and an central adjustment strap, with a hook and loop front buckle for closure. Size adjustment is by double hooks at the end of each side piece, which fit into fabric loops in the adjustment strap. The belt was available in two sizes. The size of this belt is 'Normal', having a maximum adjustment of 40 inches. Each side piece has a diagonally fitted link for the attachment of shoulder strap braces, while the adjustment strap has a pair of diagonally fitted green anodised alloy one inch buckles for fitting of the inner straps of the braces. A series of brass eyelets is let into the lower edge of the belt for attachment of water bottle and machete. A square mark is visible where a one inch strap with a snap fastener, which was was intended to secure a rifle when slung, has been removed from the right hand side piece.
Associated with the service of 235080 Lieutenant Robert John Fletcher, 2 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR). Bob Fletcher was born in Cowra in 1932, and entered the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in February 1951. He graduated in December 1954, and served with 2 RAR in Malaya between 1955 and 1957 commanding rifle and mortar platoons. The British Pattern 1944 Web Equipment was designed to replace the clumsy, noisy and heavy Pattern 1937 Equipment which was entirely unsuitable for jungle or tropical conditions. The Pattern 1944 was lighter (using mostly light alloy instead of brass fittings) and more comfortable, as well as being quicker drying and resistant to rotting. It was introduced too late to see general service in the Second World War, and was not manufactured or issued in Australia. Australian troops serving with British forces in Malaya during the 1950s were issued with it.
British Army issue jungle green Aertex long sleeved bush jacket with epaulettes. The jacket is fastened by four green plastic buttons, and the same style of button is used on the pockets, epaulettes a
Pair of 1950 Pattern jungle green cotton drill trousers. The trousers have a pleated front, thick waistband and concealed four button fly closure. The waistband extends on either side of the fly to fo
British Army issue jungle green Aertex long sleeved safari style bush jacket with epaulettes. The jacket is fastened by four green plastic buttons, and the same style of button is used on the pockets,
Green cotton bush hat manufactured for Malayan Army units in the 1950s. The hat resembles the standard British/Australian Army issue bush hat, but has quilted padding in the crown to protect the weare
Length of jungle green British Army sweat rag made of a thick woven cotton mesh. Associated with the service of 235080 Robert John Fletcher. Bob Fletcher was born in Cowra in 1932, and entered the R
Within a voided horse shoe inscribed 'DOCTRINA VIM PROMOVET' (Learning Promotes Strength), vertically entwined boomerangs, surmounted by an Imperial crown and at the base a banner inscribed 'ROYAL MIL
Within a voided horse shoe inscribed 'DOCTRINA VIM PROMOVET' (Learning Promotes Strength), vertically entwined boomerangs, surmounted by an Imperial crown and at the base a banner inscribed 'ROYAL MIL
Within a voided horse shoe inscribed 'DOCTRINA VIM PROMOVET' (Learning Promotes Strength), vertically entwined boomerangs, surmounted by an Imperial crown and at the base a banner inscribed 'ROYAL MIL
Within a voided horse shoe inscribed 'DOCTRINA VIM PROMOVET' (Learning Promotes Strength), vertically entwined boomerangs, surmounted by an Imperial crown and at the base a banner inscribed 'ROYAL MIL
Insect repellent canister with screw caps at each end. The words 'REFILL END' are printed in black on one screw cap, and 'SPRINKLER END' on the other. The Sprinkler end has a single small hole to dis
Glass shaving mirror in an aluminium protective case. The aluminium case wraps around the edges of the mirror on three sides, and is crimped to prevent it sliding out. At the remaining end, the alumin
Pair of printed fabric sleeve badges for 28 Commonwealth Brigade, in the form of a square divided horizontally light blue over dark blue. Superimposed on the upper half is a Queen's Crown in red, yell
Pair of hand embroidered jungle green cotton drill rank slides showing the two 'pips' of a Lieutenant and the letters 'RAR' (Royal Australian Regiment). The embroidery of the pips was originally in wh
First issue Pattern 1944 Basic Pouch (later issues had a second pair of double hooks on the back, so that the pouch could be worn lower on the belt if required) in jungle green cotton. The pouch has a
Waterbottle of unpainted aluminium with a large black rubber screw cap. The cap is secured by a length of green cord knotted through an eyelet rivetted to the cap and looped around the neck of the bot
Waterbottle of unpainted aluminium with a large black rubber screw cap. The cap is secured by a length of pale khaki cord knotted through an eyelet rivetted to the cap and looped around the neck of th
Jungle green haversack consisting of a central pouch partly lined with rubberised black fabric for waterproofing, and two side pockets. The central pouch has fold-in weather flaps for additional prote
Personal mosquito net kit consisting of veil, sleeve and oversock set. The individiual nets (5 pieces) are made of jungle green cotton netting, and are stored in a wallet of pale cream flannel with gr
Jungle green cotton webbing belt with a stitched in square quick release buckle, with a sliding knurled rod in its centre. The other end of the belt has been burnt to prevent it from fraying. Associ
Pattern 1944 green three part waist belt, made of two side pieces and central adjustment strap, with a hook and loop front buckle for closure. Size adjustment is by double hooks at the end of each sid
First issue Pattern 1944 Basic Pouch (later issues had a second pair of double hooks on the back, so that the pouch could be worn lower on the belt if required) in jungle green cotton. The pouch has a
Green, Pattern 1944, three part waist belt. It is made of two side pieces and a central adjustment strap, with a green-painted metal hook and loop front buckle for closure. Size adjustment is by doubl
Jungle green haversack consisting of a central pouch partly lined with rubberised black fabric for waterproofing, and two side pockets. The central pouch has fold-in weather flaps for additional prote
Waterbottle of unpainted aluminium with a large black rubber screw cap. The cap is secured by a length of green cord knotted through an eyelet rivetted to the cap and looped around the neck of the bot
Jungle green cotton webbing belt with a stitched in square quick release buckle, with a sliding knurled rod in its centre. The other end of the belt has been burnt to prevent it from fraying. Associ