1958 PATTERN WEBBING

COMBAT EQUIPMENT FIGHTING ORDER

The contents shown here, are geared towards conventional war on NATO's Central Front in West Germany.

The weight of what you carry with ammunition for basic unit/patrol requirements, may easily be in excess of 15kg, without the additional weight of any special task equipment. The average soldier would be expected to live from the contents of his webbing for up to 48hrs.

The following kit list is not a definitve one, CEFO contents differ from unit to unit, depending on the individual unit's SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and Operational Objective.

WEBBING CONTENTS

LEFT AMMUNITION POUCH:

The bayonet and scabbard fit into loops on the side of the pouch, and 3 x 20 round SLR magazines are contained within the pouch.

RIGHT AMMUNITION POUCH:

The small pocket on the side was originally designed for a grenade launcher attachment, which became obsolete in the late 60's. The pocket is often used to store an issue right angle flashlight. 2 x 20 round SLR magazines are carried inside the main pouch, as well as the issue SLR cleaning kit.

RIGHT KIDNEY POUCH:

This contains part of your 24hr ration pack. What you can eat on the move is carried in your Smock pockets, the remainder is carried in the small mess tin inside the kidney pouch. Your hexamine stove and spare fuel pack, and a method of lighting it is contained in the pouch. Your "brew" kit, spoon (the knife and fork from the KFS set are usually discarded to save weight), as well as toilet paper, in a water-proof packet, is also carried in this pouch.

LEFT KIDNEY POUCH:

Boot cleaning kit & spare laces, spare socks inside a plastic bag, pan scrubber, wash kit & small towel, insect repellent and cam cream, are all carried in this pouch.

WATER BOTTLE POUCH:

Water bottle, cup, puritabs and can opener are carried in the water bottle pouch.

PONCHO ROLL:

6 x IPK (Individual Protection Kit) pegs, 4 elasticated bungies & 30m para cord, are rolled up inside a 1958 Pattern Poncho, then rolled inside the poncho roll.

NBC ROLL:

Often carried above the kidney pouches, an additional poncho roll is used to carry your NBC Smock, Trousers and Overboots.

RESPIRATOR HAVERSACK:

This contains your S6 Respirator, spare canister, NBC Gloves (inner & outer), anti-dimmer outfit, 2 x No2 detector paper booklets, 3 x Combopens (Atropine), Kit Decontamination No1 Mk1 (DKP1), Kit Decontamination No2 Mk1 (DKP2), 1 x Cloth Disinfecting & Nerve Agent Pre-treatment Set (NAPS).

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Usually carried by both fire team commanders in the section, the UK/PRC 349 intra platoon level radio, is often carried on the 58 pattern webbing belt in a modified carrier.
Spare 7.62mm 100 round link ammunition for the GPMG is carried in a bandolier, but can also be broken down to replenish SLR magazines.
Additional 7.62 ball ammunition is also issued in bandoliers in 5 round clips, 10 x 5 round clips per bandolier.
When required, the 66mm LAW (Light Anti-tank Weapon), can be carried strapped to the back of your 58 pattern webbing, or on your bergen, if preferred.