Canadian 1908 Pattern - Early Webbing

Canadian Pattern 08 early Web Gear Reproduction

M.E.C0 designed this specifically for Canada with 100 sets sent in September 1909 for trials. After successful trials completed, the military council ordered 2000 sets of this pattern. An additional 500 sets were purchased in 1912 (Tangled Web by Jack L. Summers pg 63) Extremely rare as most went overseas with the 1st contingent and units in Bermuda. Few are in private collections.

These cartridge carriers were meticulously woven on a special loom, with five individual cartridge loops in the top pockets for one ten round packet of 303 ammunition. The lower pockets, although bellowed, did not have the individual loops and were designed to carry two packets of ten rounds each.

During the time when the Canadian Government purchased this webbing, the Permanent and Militia force were equipped with the Ross MK II rifle, which lacked a charger guide. This made the cartridge carriers even more essential for soldiers to efficiently carry and access their ammunition in the field. 

One interesting feature of the early Canadian pattern haversacks is the additional webbing loop at the top center of the flap and a twig buckle at the center top back. This allowed soldiers to mount their canteen on the front of the haversack when mounted on their backs.

The early water bottle carrier was designed with one inch extension piece of webbing that can be fed through the top center tab on the flap of the haversack, allowing the water bottle to be placed on the back along with the haversack. Additionally, the Ross bayonet scabbard (minus the leather frog) could fit into the helve handle/bayonet scabbard carrier, making it a versatile piece of equipment.

Although these early Canadian P'08 webbings may be hard to come by, the reproductions are a valuable representation of the military gear used during that time period albeit not constructed by the special looms of the past. Whether for displays, reenactments, education purposes, these webbings offer a glimpse into the history of Canadian military equipment.

Includes:

2 x Cross braces

1 x Waist Belt

1 x Left and Right Ammunition Carriers

1 x Water Bottle Carrier

1 x Haversack

1 x Entrenching Tool Carrier 

1 x Helve handle/bayonet frog carrier

*Does not include tunic, canteen, bayonet or leather scabbard!

Expected release date is 4 August 2025

Free Shipping in North America for a limit time! 

Plus get with your preorder a Canadian Broad Arrow Leather Patch Ball Cap and enough 303 british marked cartridge wraps to fill the pockets!