BRITISH
BANDOLIERS
L1A1
Ammunition Bandolier Model Mk 3/1
This bandolier dates from 1969 and is made in the same style
as the WW2 .303 inch ammunition bandoliers.
The ' S ' marking is reported to mean '
Sniper Grade' ammunition.
Markings: QV5A MK 3/1 XAW 1969
Colour: Black.
  
| Material: Cotton. |
Sizes:- |
| Colour: Khaki. |
Pocket
area:
113 x 484 mm. |
| Fasteners: Copper wire hooks. |
Length
of shoulder strap:
900 mm. (longest side) |
| Markings: None. |
No.
of Pockets:
5. |
| Strap
connection:
Sewn both ends. |
|
L1A1
Ammunition Bandolier Model L3A1
Dating from 1975, this bandolier is similar to the one above
but instead of using copper wire hooks they have now used
small brass pop stud fasteners.
Markings: QV 90 L3 A1 XSW 1975
Colour: Purple and Black.
 
| Material: Cotton. |
Sizes:- |
| Colour: Khaki. |
Pocket
area:
110 x 465 mm. |
| Fasteners: Small brass pop studs. |
Length
of shoulder strap:
933 mm. (longest side) |
| Markings: * NEWEY * ENGLAND. |
No.
of Pockets:
5. |
| Strap
connection:
Sewn both ends. |
|
5.56 mm
Nylon Ammunition Bandolier
These bandoliers were
originally made for the 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition for the L85A1
(SA80) rifles, it seems at some point in the mid nineties
there was a requirement for 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition to be
loaded on stripper clips and in bandoliers. By this time the
British seem to of run out or removed from service the
standard cotton 'L3A1' 7.62 mm bandoliers which left them with
only the 5.56 mm green nylon bandoliers. These bandoliers
would normally hold 150 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, but for
7.62 mm ammunition they now hold 75 rounds (three 5 round
clips per pocket).
Markings:
Colour: Black
REMPLOY
POOLE
DRG No.
Q.V.112/ISS. 2
1992
|
| Material: Nylon. |
Sizes:- |
| Colour: Dark green. |
Pocket
area:
138 x 540 mm. |
| Fasteners: 13 mm nickel ring spring
pop fastener. |
Length
of shoulder strap:
1000 mm. (longest side) |
| Markings: KLI KIT |
No.
of Pockets:
5. |
| Strap
connection:
Sewn both ends. |
|
Thank you to Jerry Downey for this example
30 Round
7.62 mm L4A1 Bren Gun Magazine Bandolier
Found recently is this unique magazine bandolier dating from
1960, made from similar materials as the ammunition
bandoliers. Each pouch holds two 30 round L4A1 Bren Gun
magazines giving a total of 4 mags (120 rounds) and seems to
be a simplified copy of the second world war Bren Gun
auxiliary pouches.
The large strap goes around the neck and the side straps go
around the chest and tie together to hold the pouches in
place.
Markings: S.V.2097 MECO 1960
Colour: Black.
| Material: Cotton. |
| Colour: Khaki. |
| Fasteners: Copper wire
hooks. |
| Markings: None. |
| Strap connection: Sewn both ends. |
L7A2 GPMG 50 Round Belt Bandolier
This
nylon
bandolier are designed to hole a short length of 50 rounds
of 7.62x51mm disintegrating belt and typically all examples
seen date from the early 70's
(1972, 1973). The idea was to stop the belt getting
tangled up in the undergrowth and originates from the
Vietnam War where it was common for see belts inserted into
a green plastic sleeve to protect it. These sleeves
were made from the cells of the American inflatable
mattresses that were used during the war. From this
experience the British took the idea and made a purpose
designed and manufactured sleeve/bandolier.
Markings: QV 33A C.Q.C. 1972
Colour: Black.
Markings: QV 33A RC /|\ I972
Colour: White.
|
