WW11 Webbing identification
 

I am posting here for another MLU member as I am trying to find out for him what this webbing strap was used for as I checked all of my books I had without luck. It is 2" in width and 63" in length. It has these markings on it, Hopefully someone here can identify it.


A Red patch
DCL 1942 MK IV
Sling Ryan

Is it my eyes, or does the stencilling in your first photo say 1943? :confused

Owen.

Definitely 1942.
It's a sling for use by stretcher bearers. It goes over the shoulders and the loops on the ends are for supporting the handles of a stretcher.

Good Eye, I had another look and yes one side says 1943 and the other 1942.

Thanks for the answer :)

Stretcher Sling
 

What you have is an amalgam of two stretcher slings stitched together. Here is a photo of an actual Mk IV Stretcher Sling.

Attachment 104199

That explains the two dates.

David

Ok, I wonder what they used it for as it looks like factory stitching ?

2 of these are listed on the parts list for the Sherman Firefly - used to lift wounded out of a tank (in addition of course to the normal stretcher carrying purpose).

http://www.kingtigerebooks.co.uk/201...rom-tanks.html

Tim

Stitching
 

They may have been stitched together by a unit textile worker in order to be used for casualty recovery. Or perhaps someone wanted a swig for their kids.