British W.W.II P37 Small Pack

The British P37 Small Pack (officially called the Haversack) was a component of the 1937 Pattern Web Equipment. Made of heavy-duty, pre-shrunk cotton canvas with brass hardware, the pack was designed to carry an infantryman's daily gear.

Characteristics & Dimensions

• Dimensions: Approximately 28 x 23 x 11 cm (11 x 10 x 5 inches).
• Interior: The pack is divided internally. It features a main partition, and the rear compartment is split into two smaller sections to keep items in place.
• Material: Rugged khaki or olive drab cotton canvas. Soldiers often dyed them with "Blanco" to match regimental colors or for camouflage.

How It Was Worn

The P37 small pack was highly versatile and changed position depending on the loadout:

• Battle Order: During combat, the large backpack (Large Pack) was left behind. The small pack was worn directly on the back via L-shaped shoulder braces that hooked into the ammunition pouches at the front.
• Marching Order: With a full loadout, the large pack was worn on the back. The small pack was then worn on the left hip.

Wartime Contents

Despite its compact size, the pack was logically organized with 24-hour survival essentials:

• Mess Tins & Cutlery: Two nesting aluminum or tin-plated mess tins containing a knife, fork, and spoon.
• Rations: Standard field rations or an emergency ration tin.
• Clothing: Spare wool socks, clean underwear, a shirt, a cap comforter (knit hat), and a woolen cardigan/vest.
• Hygiene (Wash Roll): A canvas roll containing a razor, shaving cream, toothbrush, soap, a towel, and a housewife (sewing kit).
• Rain Gear: A folded ground-sheet or rain poncho. This was usually placed directly under the top flap, which also served as padding for the back.