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

Jungle green haversack consisting of a central pouch partly lined with rubberised black fabric for waterproofing, and two side pockets. The central pouch has fold-in weather flaps for additional protection, and a top flap secured by two small straps with quick release buckles. The side pockets each have a flap secured by a quick release toggle fastener. On the back of the haversack are two shoulder straps, 5 cm wide tapering to 2.5 cm wide, and on the bottom are a pair of 2 cm straps with quick release buckles for the attachment of rolled bedding. The flap of the central pouch and the lower front of the haversack have straps with quick release buckles for the attachment of pick, shovel or entrenching tool.

Associated with the service of 235080 Robert John Fletcher. 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 Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, 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, however, issued with it.