The 58 pattern webbing was capable of being worn in a variety of ways. Most of he weight was carried on the hip with the shoulder straps (known as the yoke)taking the rest of the weight. Extra pouches were often added so the waist belt was a continuous row of pouches.
Some soldiers wore it without the shoulder straps, when it was referred to as "belt kit". Most units insisted on the yoke being fitted, and I preferred it as it helped support the weight.
The main problem was the awkward cape carrier (usually known as the "bum roll") which was worn clipped under the rear kidney pouches and which was supposed to carry the waterproof(ish) poncho. The carrier was also used to carry the soldiers NBC suit as well which made it very bulky. Soldiers used to adjust the webbing to sit high on the waist to keep the bum roll from banging against the buttocks. Another way of carrying it was to clip it so that it sat on top of the kidney pouches.
The magazine pouches were fitted with rings at the bottom which attached to the clips on the bum roll to secure everything. However pouches were frequently tied together via a cord which ran the full width of the webbing – this held everything snugly together so the pouches did no bounce and rattle around when moving and allowed for the bumm roll to be carried on top of the kidney pouches (my preferred method of wearing it). I always used bungee cords for this as the elastic pulled everything tight.
Only problem was that clipping the bum roll on top of the kidney pouches made wearing the bergan rucks or 58 pattern large pack awkward, as it would not sit correctly with the bum roll in the way.
The Empress figures show the webbing being worn correctly as per the regulations for CEFO (Combat Equipment Fighting Order), even showing the strap for the respirator case being worn correctly over the shoulder and NOT attached to the webbing belt. This was so that the respirator could be carried by the soldier at all times, even when not wearing the webbing.
CEMO (Combat Equipment Marching Order) included the rucksack or large pack.
My only quibble with the Empress figures are that the webbing was actually quite bulky when fully packed whereas the figures are sculpted showing it how it appears in the training manuals – but I can't reall fault them for that.
My main problem is the inclusion of the M79 grenade launcher figure.
In 27 years service I only ever came across three occaisions where the M79 was issued (and then only in small numbers) – Belize where it was in service with the garrison infantry battalion for use in the jungle, Northern Ireland – where it was issued in small numbers for use on border patrols, and with the UK Special Forces (who seemed to prefer the M203 in any case). Some sources claim it was used in the Falklands War however I have to admit that I did not see any of them being carried there.
The M79 was not issued in regular army units in BAOR or in the mainland UK. I have a number of Infantry training pamphlets from the 1970s and early 1980s which confirm it and the M79 was not taught in the infantry basic training of that time (training on it was given to the reciving troops when it was issued in the locations given above).
Hope this helps
Barrie
TimeCast