Web Tragestell?

[kiler]

Recently I stumbled upon a photo of FJ sitting on piled up MG Kasten. At first I thought it was normal Tragestell 43 but later I`ve noticed the possible lack of metal parts of typical Tragestell.
Looking through my disk I`ve found another photo (I believe this one is more well known) with the same FJ, however now he is standing and his MG Kasten still lie on the ground. As you can see his colleague has the same type of MG Kasten carrying device but now I believe it is not Tragestell 43 because the Kasten do not stand straight (they would if there was a metal structure on FJs back) but fit to the FJs back shape.
Is it kind of standard MG Kasten carrier, standard but typical to FJs or field made?

[falls1944]

Hi,

It's a specific harness for MG boxes for LW personnal. Specific FJ not sure because on the harness there is a label and no mention of FJ equipment. But largely used by paratrooper.

David

[kiler]

Thanks for your reply David.

Have photos of original harness of this type ever appeared on WAF? I tried to search for them but with no success. Maybe you have any photos of originals?

Przemek

[falls1944]

Hi,

You should take a look on the Volume 2 of "Fallschirmjäger" by Roly PICKERING. 2 examples are published. Here a link :
http://www.militarymode.co.uk/fallsc...-pickering/#39

David

[sfmike1]

Great informative thread on a piece of field gear I never knew of. Excellent photos!
The one with the FJ sitting is really good.....he's got a nice assortment of gear, including light-colored m1911 ammo pouches and tropical boots. Very cool.

[kiler]

Thanks again David for your very informative input.

@ sfmike: glad you liked it. I also never heard about this harness. Initially I thought it was field made only in that unit as I have never seen it anywhere else other than in this two photos depicting the same Fallschirmjagers in Tunisia (that's how the second photo was titled online). Now, thanks to David we know that it was a LW issued item seen also in other places.

Thanks again!
Przemek

[falls1944]

Hi,

I just add that one harness like this was found in Normandy 2 years ago in a FJR6 sector. It is exposed now in the Normandy Victory Museum at Carentan.

David