WW1 British Junior Officer’s/Warrant Officer’s Trench Fighting Equipment Set

 A very interesting WW1 British Trench Fighting Equipment Set of the type worn by Junior Officers and Warrant Officers.

These sets of equipment were put together by the individuals themselves from salvaged other ranks equipment in order to avoid wearing the Sam Browne belt which often gave their status away with deadly consequences in the front line. By blending in with their men in this manner, Junior Officers and Warrant Officers hoped to avoid the unwanted attention of enemy snipers.

The set consists of a 1908 Pattern Webbing Belt with converted 08 Shoulder Braces, with attached to this a converted 1914 Pattern Leather Ammunition Pouch and a converted officer’s Revolver Holster. 

The webbing elements are of subtly different tones with markings to more than one soldier, this reflecting the front salvage. The Belt is date stamped at the rear but this is too faded to read. On one Shoulder Brace a clear M.E Co 1915 stamp is visible, on the other Brace M.W & S Ltd 1916 can just about be made out. The front Brace end on the Holster side has had an extra 08 Brace tab sewn to it, this to enable the wearer to carry more than one piece 08 equipment on that side. 

On the left front as viewed is the 14 Leather ammunition Pouch, this has been converted in keeping with the set by having the central 1914 Pattern buckle to the rear removed, the two small outer straps and buckles remain to attach the Pouch to the Belt. The closing strap to the front of the pouch has been field repaired and replaced. I believe this to be period done as the stitching matches the other field conversions on the set. 

On the right front as viewed is the officer’s leather Revolver Holster. This has been converted by having the usual wide belt loop removed and replaced by two 1914 Pattern Leather type small leather straps and buckles in keeping with the set. These holding straps have been attached at an angle to facilitate a cross draw of the revolver.

To the inside the Holster bears the partly legible name of the owner and his six figure service number. This indicating the original owner of this set was most probably a Warrant Officer.

The set is in good service used condition overall.