Welcome to the WWII Forums! Log in or Sign up to interact with the community.

Y Strap Webbing

Discussion in 'German WWII Uniforms and Equipment' started by Jim, Sep 14, 2006.

Tags:
  1. Jim

    Jim Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2006
    Messages:
    3,324
    Likes Received:
    15
    via War44
    The basis for all field equipment was a set of black leather "Y"-straps. These consisted of two front straps which were hooked to a "D" ring on the back of the cartridge pouches; their length was adjusted by a set of square steel frame buckles fixed midway up the straps.
    If the pouches were not worn, a set of supplementary loops consisting of a simple belt-width loop fitted with a "D" or rectangular ring were used to attach the straps to the belt. (The loop was slipped over the belt, and the "D" rings slipped into the hooks on the "Y" straps.)

    [​IMG]

    The front straps tapered outwards to become relatively broader at about breast level. At this point, a steel stud could be fixed through a hole in the centre of each; this was for the attachment of a pair of smaller auxiliary straps, which could be attached to either the M1939 pack, combat pack frame or some rucksacks. Like the front strap, these were adjusted by a set of buckles. When the pack was not worn, these straps were tucked into the belt.
    The front straps passed over the shoulders, tapering sharply inwards again to wrap around a large steel "O"94 ring. Just behind each shoulder a short length of leather strap was sewn to each "Y" brace, bearing a steel "D"-ring. From the bottom of the "O" ring ran a single vertical back strap which hooked to the back centre of the belt with flat metal hooks, the rounded ends of which protruded upwards in front of the bottom part of the belt for about half its depth. The rear central "Y"-brace was adjustable for length by means of a row of holes and a metal stud.

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    There were two versions of belt and supports: the standard-issue black leather version, and later reed green and olive green webbing versions, which were initially issued for use in North Africa, but became increasingly common on the continent as the war progressed. (The leather belt and straps were often seen painted tan brown for desert service.) The web version differed from the leather in that the straps were adjusted by sliders, rather than buckles and studs. Photos occasionally show leather belts combined with web support straps In the rear areas it was common for the front straps to be worn under the tunic shoulder straps. but this was seldom done under combat conditions.
     
  2. Killa752

    Killa752 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2007
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Germany
    via War44
    i think there is missing an grenadecarrier...
     

Share This Page