BACKGROUND: The combat Y-straps were developed in April 1939 along with the M39 backpack to replace the earlier M34 backpack with integral shoulder straps. The combat Y-straps were also utilized with other backpacks including the A-Frame Assault pack and were designed to assist in distributing the weight of the equipment carried on the load bearing waist belt to the shoulders. The combat Y-straps were originally issued to Infantry rifle company personnel in April 1939 followed by motorcycle personnel in June 1941 and by bicycle troops in March 1943. Of Note: "Cavalry" pattern Y-straps, based on a pre-WWI design, were introduced on February 15TH 1940 and were originally intended for mounted personnel, although they saw widespread use by officers, cavalry, motorcycle, bicycle and paratroop personnel. The cavalry pattern Y-straps followed the basic design of the Infantry pattern Y-straps but excluded the auxiliary straps as cavalry personnel didn’t require the additional support for the waist belt as they were equipped with saddle bags instead of the standard backpack or rucksack. Originally all the Y-straps were produced in a blackened leather until late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for DAK, Deutsches Afrika Korps, (German Africa Corps), personnel’s arrival in Tripoli in February 1941 and included canvas web construction Y-straps. Eventually, due to leather shortages the canvas web Y-straps were also issued to personnel serving in southern areas of continental Europe and other theatres of battle.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Woven, khaki/olive canvas web construction Y-straps, consisting of two main front straps, two auxiliary front straps, a short back strap and steel and leather fittings. All components are complete.