Pattern 1944 Web belt with camouflage rain smock : Major C J Adamson, 1 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

Pattern 1944 green three part waist belt, made of two side pieces and central adjustment strap, with a hook and loop front buckle for closure. Size adjustment is by double hooks at the end of each side piece, which fit into fabric loops in the adjustment strap. The belt was available in two sizes. The size of this belt is 'Normal', having a maximum adjustment of 40 inches. Each side piece has a diagonally fitted link for the attachment of shoulder strap braces, while the adjustment strap has a pair of diagonally fitted green anodised alloy one inch buckles for fitting of the inner straps of the braces. A series of brass eyelets is let into the lower edge of the belt for attachment of water bottle and machete. The belt holds a camouflaged rain smock rolled in its carrying pocket which has black buttons. Slits have been made so that the soldier can access pockets on his army pants. It has 3 labels sewn into the back of the coat reading; 'REGIMENTAL No. NAME; CGCF, VICTORIA, 1967, Broad arrow, SIZE M, 8475 66 021 5442; INSTRUCTION LABEL 1. Do not dry clean in front of fire, 2. Allow smock to dry out thoroughly before putting away, 3. When not in use, store away from sunlight, 4. Launder by dipping up and down for a few minutes in luke warm soapy water. 5. Use soap flakes, NOT detergents. Rinse thoroughly in clean water, 6. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS'.

This Pattern 1944 webbing belt with camouflaged rain smock was used by Major Col Adamson on service in Vietnam. Colin James Adamson joined the Australian Army in 1953. He spent seven years in New Guinea with the Pacific Island Regiment. He later served in Vietnam from 27 March 1968 to 22 October 1968 with 1 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR). He was the Commanding Officer of A Company 1 RAR during the Viet Cong attacks on Fire Support Base Coral in May 1968.