question ‘Local Pattern’ SAS SLR Magazine Pouch?

[Enfield1940]

Hi,

 

I’ve just acquired an example of what it described on Karkeeweb as the ‘Stores Ref. CN / X / 11871 LPG 4338 POUCH, MAGAZINES, SLR (Local Pattern)’:

 

http://www.karkeeweb.com/patterns/1958/components/component_np_local.html

 

I’ve been trying to find out a bit more about them and came across the following interesting comment on an airsoft forum:

 

“seen pictures of guys with them in a couple of old school SAS books by Tony Geraghty. Its a local/field made SLR/M16 mag pouch used in Aden & Oman by the SAS (& probably others too)”.

 

http://z15.invisionfree.com/smallwarsairsoft/index.php?showtopic=62&view=getnewpost

 

Whilst inconclusive, I also came across the following picture of Lt Col John Woodhouse. He appears to be wearing a similar looking pouch on his left hip:

 

http://www.warfaremagazine.co.uk/articles/With-the-East-Surreys-in-Tunisia-Sicily-and-Italy-1942-45/50

 

So does anyone have any further information on the who, why, when and where of these pouches? I assume the Tony Geraghty books are ‘This is the SAS: A Pictorial History of the Special Air Service Regiment’ and ‘Who Dares Wins: The Special Air Service 1950 to the Falklands’. If anyone reading owns a copy of these, could they possibly have a flick through and see if there are pictures that show these pouches?

 

Thanks,

 

Mark

[Enfield1940]

Alas not conclusive, but I attach a dodgy cameraphone pic of a picture of 2 members of the SAS in Aden from 'Who Dares Wins'. The pouch on the left hip of the chap on the right seems to have a very similar looking lid and snap fastener. Not obviously a double pouch though. Any ideas?

 

Cheers,

Mark

[Enfield1940]

At last, some clear photos. 43rdrecce (of this parish) was kind enough to send me copies of the following pictures: One of two Royal Marines in the 1970's and one of a Royal Marine in the Falklands.

Edited December 3, 2013 by Enfield1940