BACKGROUND: The British designed the 1903 Pattern Bandolier Equipment for use by mounted and dismounted soldiers and while it consisted of a great coat carrier, D-shaped mess kit, haversack, water bottle, bayonet frog, belt and pouches and bandoliers, Canada only issued the five pocket and nine pocket bandoliers, the water bottle, waist belt and bayonet frog.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A brown leather bandolier with five ammo pouches each attached by four rivets to reverse. Each pouch has a fold over top flap and an internal securing strap which both attach to a brass stud on front of pouches. Each pocket held two five round stripper clips and the strap was designed to hold one clip in position while the other was removed. The belt length adjusts with two brass buckles and to one end from a smaller adjustable strap is attached. The two ends would meet under the right arm to be attached to each other and the smaller strap would be attached to the waist belt to steady the uneven load. Short strap is included. The leather is embossed "Wm. Sykes Ltd. 1915". Very nice, supple and strong leather.