Offered here is a scarce 1st Pattern British Airborne Paratrooper’s Leg Bag, officially known as the Container, Weapons and Personal Equipment, Parachutists, and more commonly referred to by collectors as the “Sims Container” after its designer, Major Sim.
Manufactured by Mills Equipment Company (M.E.Co.) and clearly dated 1953, this is an increasingly scarce example of early post-war British Airborne equipment. The container was specifically designed to carry a wide range of loads — including the 3-inch mortar barrel, Vickers MG barrel, Bren LMG, folding stretcher, and other heavy or awkward equipment required by airborne troops on landing.
Background:
Introduced in the early 1950s, the Sims Container was intended to replace the wartime leg bags used during World War II. However, despite its innovative design, it proved unpopular in service. Troops found it very heavy even when empty (approximately 8 kilograms) and awkward to unpack quickly under combat conditions. As a result, it was only issued for a short period before being withdrawn, making surviving examples exceptionally hard to find today.
Details:
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Maker: Mills Equipment Company Ltd. (M.E.Co.)
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Date: 1953 (clearly marked)
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Material: Heavy canvas with webbing straps and metal fittings
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Approximate weight: 7.5 kg (empty)
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Condition: in good condition with some evidence of euse and service use. Some surface rust to the metal fittings from being in storage.
A superb and seldom-seen piece of British airborne history, ideal for serious militaria collectors, museum display, or as part of a Cold War-era British Airborne equipment collection.
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