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World War II soldiers in addition to weapons were issued with a range of equipment. This mean items issued in combat environments, but often not part of the standard uniform. Here there is some crossover with the soldier's uniform. The most obvious piece of World War personal equipment was the helmet which can also be considered an uniform item. The steel helmet is a piece of equipment that first appeared in World War I. And the various styles are the single most important piece of equipment which can be used to identify soldiers. All the major combatants had different styles. These helmets were in several instances the same as World War I (Britain, France, and Germany). Two countries introduced entirely new styles (Soviet Union and United States). Other imprtant pieces of personal equipment include basically the same as World War I. Another imprtant item was webbing including various types of load carrying items such as belts and suspenders. It was important for the soldier to carry a range of items , but thirthat his hnds be free to handle his weapon. The web belt was an especially important innovation. It was not entirely new in World War II, but became standard issue durin the War. Webbing in World War II tended to replace leather items commonly used by soldiers through World War I. Webbing was less expensive and more useful for a range of purposes. Particularly important items to carry in the field were haversacks/packs, canteens, ammunition carriers of different types, pouches, and cannisters. Many of these items had holders whih could be attched to the webbing, especially the belt. We note a lot of German trrops carrying cylindrical cannisters. This seems an item especially characteristic of the Germans. Banoliers were also used. Other imprtant pieces of personal equipment included entreching tools and gas masks. These items primatily refer to armies operating on land, but were commonly adoped for the airforces and navies as required.
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