CANADIAN
BANDOLIERS
7.62 mm x 51
mm Ammunition Bandolier
Until recently the
only Canadian bandoliers seen were a copy of the standard
American M14 bandolier. But recently a stock of early
Canadian ammunition in bandoliers has been put into
circulation. What's great about this ammunition is the
fact it's in the early vinyl and rubber bandoliers that I have
only read about in the RSC minutes. Because of these
being found I'm now able to add them to the website for
reference.
Pearls of wisdom from the minutes
of the Rifle Steering Committee (RSC).
Dated 14 - 15 November 1960 :-
| 34.2.1 |
Canada
- It was requested that Canada give information on the
recent design of the bandolier. Increase in size of
pull tabs, better sealing, and stronger tapes have
been the subjects of recent modifications. The
tracer round pouch is differentiated from the ball
round pouch by a rectangular embossing. |
| 34.2.2 |
Australia - Australia tested
the Canadian bandolier and found several weaknesses
in tapes and tearing of the backing when pouches
were being opened. In addition, some pouches
became detached from the belt rather then opening
when pulled. Australia would like to see some
arrangement providing for release of five rounds,
leaving the remaining rounds protected. C.A.L.
will provide samples of filled bandoliers to the
Army Design Establishment at Melbourne.
Australia requested a quantity
of 960 rounds.
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Early
Canadian Designed Bandolier
These
vinyl and rubber bandoliers were the first version made by
Canada and are designed that when you pull the tab on a pocket
it pulls the pouch off the vinyl backing exposing the
ammunition. Unfortunately you cannot just remove 5
rounds as the each pouch holds 10 rounds and once open the
other 5 round clip cannot be positively retained afterwards as
part of the bandolier. These bandoleers have an unusual
smell of peanut or vegetable oil as the cardboard on the
inside of each pouch is coated with the oil to stop the brass
from tarnishing.
Markings:
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D.A.Q: 471
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D.A.Q:
494
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Colour: None, markings are made by
punching holes in the material.
Material:
Vinyl backing with rubber pouches.
Colour: Green.
Fasteners: None.
Markings: None.
Strap connection: Heat welded.
Sizes:-
Pocket area: 97 x 580 mm.
Length of shoulder
strap: 500 mm.
(each side)
No. of Pockets: 6.
Bandoleer courtesy of Gene Garland.
US M14 Type
Bandolier
At some stage possibly with
the change between DAQ to IVI the vinyl and rubber bandolier
was replaced by the standard M14 style bandolier.
Another reason is during the Vietnam war Canada
manufactured ammunition for American service, part of this
would of required it to conform to the US 'standard' which
also included the bandolier.
These are constructed from
light weight olive green cotton and are designed to accept to
60 rounds on 12 stripper clips. Like with US made
bandoliers each pocket holds 2 stripper clips sheathed in a
cardboard outer. Also part of this kit is a black safety
pin, supplied with the bandolier and attached to the shoulder
strap to help secure the bandolier to the soldiers clothing.
Unlike Australian and British bandoliers the openings of the
pouches are not secured by fasteners. Instead they have
a flap of material which is retained in place by the
stitching.
Markings:
7.62 MM, NATO
BALL, C 21A1
5rd CLIPS
Lot: 723 IVI 78
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7.62 MM
BALL, C 21
5rd CLIPS
Lot: 749 IVI 79
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7.62 MM
BALL, C 21
5rd CLIPS
Lot: 785 IVI 81
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7.62 MM
BALL, C 21
5rd CLIPS
Lot: 788 IVI 81
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Colour: Purple.
Material: Light weight cotton.
Colour: Olive green.
Fasteners: None.
Markings: None.
Strap connection: Sewn
both ends.
Sizes:-
Pocket area: 105 x 610 mm.
Length of shoulder
strap: 958 mm.
(longest side)
No. of Pockets: 6.
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