Bergen Commando backpack...

[mietek]

I just bought tan minit condition bergen from 1944, just bit dusty. Most straps are from webbing, but some are leather one .
However I have a question regarding the origins of bergen rucksacks in the British army.
How they were introduced? I have Norwegian bergen, which I bought in UK, from ww1.
Were bergens used in British army before 1940? Maybe as private purchase? Any ideas about it.

[Jaegermeister]

For your information, the Bergen, was also used by the mountain troops. I got mine from a norwegian who served in 2nd. Bergkompani in England.

[mietek]

Thank you.
I'm looking for information how British selected this construction?

Commando Bergen is, as many other rucksacks, based on Norwegian design, made by company in Bergen in early 20 century.

Did British used bergen-like rucksacks bofore 1940?

If yes what manufacturing?

Here are pictures of my Bergen, civilan, dated 1912-1914:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mietek...e2.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mietek...e2.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mietek...e2.jpg&.src=ph

[lnijherald]

made by company in Bergen

Actually these are named after the designer Ole F. Bergan.
The company is still in business today: http://www.bergans.no/sider_eng/start.htm


Luc

[sturgis]

Bergan

Here is my bergan, cost me nothing, and I used it when i cycled accross to Normandy for in 2004.
Its marked 1944, cant make out maker as its stampped on leather tab inside.
Carried all my camping equip and everything else!!!
Oh, and the bike was a 1936 RAF Royal Enfield pushbike !
Richard

[sturgis]

pic 2

[Guy]

Some of these were modified for "special" use pre D-Day. I bought one at Detling and then sold it again without taking a picture (prat). It came with 2 early post war red berets to the Staffs inside and a toggle rope secured to the auxilliary straps. Most modded versions have had all the straps cut off unfortunately. This one had a nice "modified by" stamp and all its straps should have kept it but was having a s####y show. Will try to get a pic from the new owner.

Yours, Guy.

[lnijherald]

Some Bergans have webstraps on both sides just above the side pockets, is that a maker's variation or a post-war addition?

Luc

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Luc, do you mean these, as seen on my 1945 dated Bergan? This one was made by "D&C Ltd"

If so, they were used to hold a blanket roll or perhaps a greatcoat.

Many Bergans had these removed. In fact, a friend of mine has been doing a good trade refitting them for re-enactors.

Cheers, Ade.

[lnijherald]

Those are the ones I meant Ade! I had no idea it was a standard feature, thanks for clearing this up.

Luc