52438: Cartridge bandolier

Made by R.H.Long and stamped 1915. The bandolier was more often used by mounted troopers. The photograph shows a single clip of .303 ammunition. The bandolier could hold a total of 50 cartridges.

Editors Comment:
1903 Pattern bandolier, introduced soon after the Boer war to replace the Slade Wallace equipment, which had been found wanting on active service in South Africa. Originally intended to be worn by all arms (infantry and cavalry), it was a poor design for Infantry, restricting the chest, and was soon replaced by the 1908 pattern equipment.

The manufacturer of this bandoliere is R.H. Long. Long owned a shoe manufacturing company (relocated to Framingham, MA in 1902) which produced leather goods for the British Government during The Great War. After the U.S.A. entered the war he made whatever was requested by them, which seems to have mainly consisted of canvas items (many of which are still in existence today). NB: In British military usage, the 'clip' of ammunition is called a 'charger'. Thus one 'charger' holds five 'rounds'.