German pack : W Junkermann, Imperial German Army

German pack, dropped by Willi Junkermann, when in full flight from the Australians near Proyart. Those who witnessed the incident stated he was one of the fastest runners in the German Army. The pack was well laden with food, which was enjoyed by the Australians who salved it. It is complete with its leather shoulder braces, blanket-roll straps and mess-tin straps. It does not have the button-in tent-pole holder inside. It is name and regimentally marked to Junkermann, on the front flap.

The 30th Battalion was heavily engaged when it lead the 5th Division’s advance down the Morcourt Valley, during the battle of Amiens on 8 August 1918. Their advance, to the outskirts of Proyart, had resulted in many prisoners and material being captured, with German units either destroyed or retiring before them. One of the retreating Germans heading for Proyart, a certain Willi Junkermann, dropped his pack, which was retrieved later by members of the 30th Battalion. Much was made by the successful Australians of the speed of Junkermann's retreat and they jokingly noted that he was 'one of the fastest runners in the German Army'. The pack yielded a quantity of food which was immediately eaten by the Australians.

The pack itself is a later war issue example, of the type which discarded the cowhide finish. It is made from khaki canvas over a wooden frame, with leather equipment straps and shoulder braces.