BACKGROUND: During the war the early M34 and M39 "pony fur" backpacks were found to be too expensive and time consuming to produce which resulted in the production of a wide variety of less expensive canvas construction combat rucksacks and backpacks. One of the newly proposed rucksacks was designed specifically for artillery personnel and was officially introduced in February 21st 1940 and utilized through-out the war. The artillery rucksack came in two versions with one having integral shoulder straps and the other without shoulder straps which was designed for wear with the combat Y-straps.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Light weight, water repellant olive drab canvas construction rucksack with leather and steel and alloy fittings. Nicely Rbnr# marked. Well worn and used example. The two leather tabs on either side have been removed but otherwise complete.