BACKGROUND: Pionier personnel, (Combat Engineers), were issued assorted specialized equipment designed to meet their needs as the spearhead troops tasked with destroying enemy obstacles and creating forward defensive positions for their own troops in the face of the enemy. Besides the long handle shovels, picks, axes, saws, wire cutters and explosive devices there was also a specific Combat Engineer’s assault pack. The Pioniersturmgepäck, (Engineer’s Assault Pack), was introduced on March 27TH 1941 and consisted of a central back pack and two attached side packs designed specifically for the unique engineering assault equipment and essential items. Combat Engineer personnel equipped with this pack replaced the standard issue K98 ammo pouches with the side packs. The Combat Engineer’s assault packs were only issued to one in five Engineer’s in a divisional Engineer battalion. This example is the left hand and right side packs designed to hold two, three kilogram, (6 pounds,2.6 ounces), explosive charges and four, five round K98 rifle ammunition clips each.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Two, roughly 35cm x 25cm, feldgrau canvas construction. All straps and internal compartments are complete. Nice maker marking. Designed to hold two 3kg explosive charges in each pouch. Scarce and in nice condition.