BACKGROUND: In 1937, The British specified a web pattern, for use in personal equipment, made of woven waterproofed cotton, and used it though out the war. In 1942 they issued some changes such as a new frog for the mark II bayonet and increasing the height of the basic pouches to accommodate the Sten SMG magazines. Of Note: Canadian personal equipment was a direct copy of the British 1937-pattern web equipment with manufacture starting in early 1940 and distribution beginning in October of the same year. The Canadian equipment differed from its British counterpart by its yellow colored webbing and the brown paint used to cover the metal parts. When troops were rotated off of the front lines for rest, but were still in combat areas, they were issued rifle covers to protect their rifles from moisture and sand.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A standard size web rifle cover, about 116cm (45.5") long by 22cm (8.5") wide at the open end tapering down to a 13cm (5") wide rounded sealed end. The open end has two fold over flaps which would fold over the but of the stock, with the top flap having a webbed strap that corresponds to the friction buckle to the body, as well as a leather strap adding to the length. A webbed pouch with flap is present to the body and is used to carry a fifty round ammunition bandolier. Broad arrow marked and dated. Nice clean example.