SuppUmtnt to LAUD IKD Watbe, February 8, 1916 
CHOOSING KIT 
Practical Hints 
{Continued frc^n page 251) 
THESE articles are written from practical experi- 
ence of military matters, with a view to keeping 
ourreaders in touch with the various requirements 
of active service. Changes of climate and the peculiar 
conditions under which the present campaign is being 
waged render different items of equipment advisable at 
different times, and we are in touch with officers at the 
front and others from whom the actual requirements of 
officers and men can be ascertained. The articles are 
not intended to advertise any particular firm or firms. 
Buckles 
When a man's hands are cold, as they frequentlv are in 
the trenches, the ordinary buckle and strap is a nuisance. 
It is difficult to unfasten, and still more difficult to fasten, 
especially if the end of the strap has been let slip out from 
the buckle. There is, however, a form of tongucless buckle 
which can be adjusted even with the coldest hands, since one 
just pulls on the end of the strap until the required adjust- 
ment is reached, and the thing fixes itself. As for the end of 
the strap slipping out of the buckle, this can be avoided b\' 
padding the end of the strap to such a size that it cannot slip 
oat, and then there is no more trouble, though this is seldom 
done. It has been done, howe\'er, in the case of the fastenings 
of the leather cuirass or jerkin mentioned recently in these 
columns — the openings at the side, which, supplying 
ventilation to such an extent as to make this form of leather 
vest useful to infantr\'men as well as to mounted men, are 
r^fulated by means of these tongueless buckles and straps. 
In order to adjust the cuirass to the wearer the wearer just 
pulls on the straps till the adjustment is secured, and the 
strap is automatically maintained in position. It is a little 
thing, but in articles of kit it is the little things that count 
so far as efficiency and comfort are concerned. 
Sookc 
Many expedients have been devised for the purpose of 
overcoming the trouble of cold feet, and one of the most 
unhkely on the surface, but most effective in actual practice, 
is chamois leather socks. These are not intended to be worn 
next to the foot, but over a pair of ordinary woollen socks, 
and in this manner they prove most effective, ha\'ing won 
golden opinions from several men who have actually tried 
them in the jiresent campaign. They t£ike up so little room 
that the size of the boot need not be altered, and they are 
easily washable. It is not sufficiently realised that the 
properties of leather, including diamois leather, approach 
very nearly to the properties of the human skin, and if one 
can get over the dislike to the " feel " of leather next tho 
skin — which is only a transient prejudice— it will be found 
that leather is the most naturally ventilated and the most 
comfortable thing to wear in cold weather. This is true of 
these socks, which, as already stated, are in use by men who. 
having undergone Service conditions, know what they are 
talking about, just as it is true of other leather articles to 
which reference has been made from time to time. 
An Ingenious Haversack 
A distinct innovation in tiie way of haversacks is one 
which, constructed of strong waterproof material and fulfilling 
all the purposes of the ordinary article, will also act as an air 
cushion. It may be two or three ounces heavier than the 
ordinary pattern article, but the difference in weiglit is 
negligible, and one who has had the convenience of an air 
cushion will appreciate this distinctly ingenious addition to 
the uses of the ordinary haversack. One fault there is, and 
that is the presence of a button with only one buttonhole. 
This, however, is a defect that can be easily remedied, and 
the idea embodied in this design is one well worthy of mention. 
Chilblains 
Ignominious as it may seem, at lea.st one man lias already 
been Sent down from the front to recover from chilblains, 
which, although often considered as irritating rather than 
serious, can become of sufficient extent to incapacitate the 
sufferer. A very old remedy for cliilhlains in the unbroken 
state, and a very good one, consists of about a quarter r.f a 
pint of brands' in which a cube of camphor has been l)r(jkcn 
up and well shaken. The cainplior does not quite dissoKe 
{Continued on page xvjj) 
A Folding Cap 
which is a Service Cap and 
Sleeping Helmet combined. 
Made of regulation khaki 
material, this cap differs from 
the ordinary Service Cap in 
that all wires for stiffening 
are dispensed with and a wool 
lining is inserted which can be 
pulled down well over the ears. 
ENTIRELY WATERPROOF. 
Price 10/6 each. 
K^but; 
Tht Lintn Hill 
tiegent Street. London i 
PRACTICAL KIT 
SOME OF 
SWAINE & ADENEY'S SPECIALITIES 
SAM BROWNE BELT, covered khaki canvas 3 
OFFICER'S WATERPROOF, lined fleece, 
guaranteed waterproof. An ideal Service coat 5 
HAVERSACKS, e.\tra large and strong. Made 
from an officer's design . . - . . 
WIRE NIPPERS, insulated handles, in leather case 
Do> insulated handles, Ironside pattern 
LOADED STICKS, weighted pigskin knobs 
DOi covered all over pigskin 
OFFICER'S HACKING WHIP, with thong, 
covered pigskin - - - - - - 1 
OFFICER'S HACKING WHIP, plaited kan 
garoo hide - - - - - - - 1 
•'ACTIVE SERVICE" MESS BOX, fitted 
for six persons ------ from 5 
SWORDS, Regulation proofed and etched blade, 
complete in scabbard - - - Infantry 5 
Cavalry or Artillery 6 
PRISM BINOCULARS, in leather case 
- 5 
LUMINOUS WATCHES, in wrist strap, metal 1 
„ „ „ „ silver 2 
8. d. 
3 O 
5 O 
12 6 
12 6 
15 6 
ID 6 
15 O 
1 O 
5 O 
5 O 
5 O 
6 O 
5 O 
5 O 
2 O 
Send for full List of War Equipment. 
SWAINE <5 ADENEY 
By appoinlmcnt (o H.M. The King 
185 PICCADILLY, W. 
THOMAS & SONS' 
NEW PUTTEE 
Covert ihe leg in three lutni. 
Made in waterproof cloth. 
Takes about quarter the time to wind and unwind 
that an ordinary puttee does. Price 8/6 pair 
Service Kit & Camp requirements 
o( the very best quahty at reasonable 
prices. Patterns and Price List on apphcalion. 
THOMAS & SONS 
32 
Military Tailors and 
li reeche s M akers 
BROOK STREET, 
W. 
XV 
