Kreta Sixpack

[Willi Z.]

I agree Jim that those MP44 pouches are not good. I just got some photos of a superb textbook set of MP 44 pouches. Like the 6-pocket pouches, or any other set of pouches, when you see a real set they scream "original". I can not share the MP44 pouches with the forum, as a request of the new owner.


Jack, I am sorry, but I have to give that pouch the . The repros are flooding the market and are 95% correct. It is that 5% that makes the difference. I have reviewed photos of $100 pouches being bought off of ebay in the past, and coming out of the Czech Republic. Whether they are newly made or used by the Czechs after the war is not clear. But, they look very similiar to the ones you posted...fabric and construction.

Willi

[J Melvin]

Actually, being a repro is fine. I literally "found" it for almost nothing. So, I have been using it for a reenactors pouch. Glad it wasn't real! But, it did lead to a good thread on the topic. I am surprised that I did a search and didn't find another thread on the sixpacks. Somebody needs to start one or keep working on this one.

[Willi Z.]

I think we have had a few threads where we discussed other pouches that have appeared on the market. Not sure what the titles were though. Maybe "MP40" would find them. Jack, here is a shot of the front of the one you asked about.

Willi

[John Hodgin]

I am surprised that I did a search and didn't find another thread on the sixpacks. Somebody needs to start one or keep working on this one.[/QUOTE]

Nah Jack, the fakers are good enough already.....

I did find photos of authentic 38/40 paired pouches with rectangular sewing on the straps, not usual, but done.
John

[J Melvin]

Nice pouch, Willi. Were these typically worn centered as the photo shows?

[John Hodgin]

Nice pouch, Willi. Were these typically worn centered as the photo shows?

Hi Jack,

I can't speak for Willi, but I imagine he pulled the pouch to center only for this photo, so that the details could be seen clearly......the strap details would have been obscured under the jäger's arm.

[J Melvin]

The reason that I asked was somewhere (was it in this thread) I think I read that these pouches were actually developed for "storm" type troopers in order to keep the pouch from getting in the way of the grenade bags. It actually makes sense to me. Even the wearing in the middle. But, of course, I could be just crazy and have imagined all of that!

[John Hodgin]

The reason that I asked was somewhere (was it in this thread) I think I read that these pouches were actually developed for "storm" type troopers in order to keep the pouch from getting in the way of the grenade bags. It actually makes sense to me. Even the wearing in the middle. But, of course, I could be just crazy and have imagined all of that!

In the few period photos I've seen of these they are usually, but not always, worn on the left side. Also Jack, I checked the straps on mine and they are sewn on just like this one that Willi posted.

Good point about assault troops Jack. The Italians made a "chest pack" mag pouch for their Beretta 38A.

[Ron V]

Standard AFV Equipment

Unless I have missed something, no one has pointed out that these six cell MP40
pouches were standard issue for German armored vehicles. They are seen hung on the insides of any SdKfz 250 or 251 half track as well as tanks and assault guns. At least one MP40 was part of these vehicles equipment.

Now I wonder if some clever FJ saw these at some time and suggested that these might be of some use to his comrades, with them eventually being produced in LW Grey? Or have I been breathing to many paint fumes?

Cheers,
Ron Volstad

[John Hodgin]

Now I wonder if some clever FJ saw these at some time and suggested that these might be of some use to his comrades, with them eventually being produced in LW Grey? Or have I been breathing to many paint fumes?

Cheers,
Ron Volstad

Hi Ron,

May have been the other way around. Can you post some of these photos of six cell pouches in armored vehicles and date the photos? Very early photos of Fj, in 1938, show NCO's wearing six cell pouches with their MP 38s.

Best,
John

[Willi Z.]

I too have heard of these pouches being used by vehicle crews. But, I have yet to see any photos to support that. I have also heard that Pioniers used them. But, to date, I have only seen FJs wearing them. And, as John pointed out, from very early on. Their use in vehicles makes perfect sense to me. A pouch with 6 mags and a shoulder strap......something easy to grab with the weapon and exit. But, these pouches are so very rare.......I would think they would be more common if their use was more widespread. You do encounter them in the ordnance colors; green, blue-gray and tan. You also see them pictured in some MP40 manuals.

But honestly, I don't like the Kreta angle. It is a myth that hopefully will not get out of control. It is mentioned in one current MP40 book. That is the only reference to Kreta I have ever seen.

Same goes for the 4-pocket pouch. Have only seen one picture of them in use...a FJ and he has the shoulder strap too. That particular pouch uses a shoulder strap with a small 9mm ammo box holder. Their are photos in MP40 manulas to supoort the use of that pouch with that strap. I still hear the absurd theory that the small pouch on the strap is to hold a gravity knife....

Willi

[Ron V]

I'll scan a few shots of AFV use of the "six pack" pouches if anyone wants to post them.

Ron V

[Steve in Florida]

Bein's that (my English teacher wife hates that term)

the MP38 was designed for airborne and armoured use, wouldn't it make sense that both paras and panzers folks were both issued the sixpacks initially?

[Willi Z.]

Ron, I was hoping you would say you have some photos. I would love to see them, and would glady post them for you. Send me a PM please and I will forward my email to you.


Willi

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Guys, here are Ron's excellent pics. I imagine this is a factory photo? An interesting detail is the MP40 looks like it is a wood copy??

Cheers, Ade.