CANADIAN WWII P37 LARGE CANVAS HAVERSACK BAG 1942

This is an original Canadian M37 large canvas Haversack bag. Original WWII Canadian Army P37 1941 Dated Large Field Pack Bag 

Marked with the "C" Broad Arrow.

Khaki cotton construction with original brass buckles.

Also maker marked and dated but can not make out the maker or date, looks like 1942.

This belonged to Soldier W.N. Asselstine as we bought a number of items from his family.

The haversack, or "large pack" was  worn on the back with the addition of a pair of "L" shaped straps (which were interchangeable with the Large Pack. The haversack was originally intended to carry the water bottle and mess tin (and had internal pockets for same) though these were often worn outside the haversack in web carriers, especially by infantrymen. 

Some typical contents, including white towel, sweater, wool shirt, water bottle, mess tin, knife/fork/spoon, spare socks, rations, and shaving holdall.

Other contents might include cleaning kit, polishing kit, housewife, iron ration, or spare ammunition. As well, the groundsheet was carried by regulation in the haversack and tucked under the flap. In action, it was often left with personal kit in the unit baggage, and the rain cape substituted as a waterproof garment.