Bergen Rucksack with Rope
£4.50
The British Bergen rucksack became popular in 1942 with Special Forces such as the SAS throughout Europe and the LRDG in the Greek Islands. It was valued for its increased load carrying capacity with some added comforts such as hip supports. it was used by the British Army up until the 1970's. The early war rucksack was Tan in colour and was not particularly waterproof. I think in Late 43 (Certainly before D-Day) it was changed to a dark green canvas with a black rubberised interior. The straps are very long and are often shown rolled up to stop the ends from being caught up or whipped around by the wind.
One of the images shows THE FIFTH ARMY IN LAURO, ITALY, 19 JANUARY 1944
Lieutenant Olaf Branns, of Hill House, Watlington, Oxon, takes the chance of a much needed sleep in a haystack during a lull in the battle.
Original Colour transparency.