Pattern 1944 webbing belt : Lieutenant R J Fletcher, 2 RAR

Pattern 1944 green three part waist belt, made of two side pieces and an 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. A square mark is visible where a one inch strap with a snap fastener, which was was intended to secure a rifle when slung, has been removed from the right hand side piece.

Associated with the service of 235080 Lieutenant Robert John Fletcher, 2 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR). Bob Fletcher was born in Cowra in 1932, and entered the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in February 1951. He graduated in December 1954, and served with 2 RAR in Malaya between 1955 and 1957 commanding rifle and mortar platoons. The British Pattern 1944 Web Equipment was designed to replace the clumsy, noisy and heavy Pattern 1937 Equipment which was entirely unsuitable for jungle or tropical conditions. The Pattern 1944 was lighter (using mostly light alloy instead of brass fittings) and more comfortable, as well as being quicker drying and resistant to rotting. It was introduced too late to see general service in the Second World War, and was not manufactured or issued in Australia. Australian troops serving with British forces in Malaya during the 1950s were issued with it.