Topic: Soldiers' Load
The Infantry Platoon; 1942
Canadian Army, Training Pamphlet No. 1
A General Instructional Background for the Young Soldier; 1942
The Platoon.
Each platoon consists of:—
- Platoon H.Q. and 3 sections.
- Platoon headquarters:
- Commander.
- Sergeant.
- One driver i/c.
- One orderly.
- Batman (in platoons commanded by an officer).
- 2-in. mortar personnel (2 men).
The Section.
Each section consists of a N.C.O. Section Commander and 7 privates. There are an additional 3 privates in reserve to ensure that casualties do not bring the fighting strength of the section below this number.
Section Equipment.
All carry 50 rounds S.A.A. in pouches. All carry rifles with the exception of the man carrying the L.M.G.
Magazines will be carried as ordered by the section commander.
The above is the normal allotment of equipment which may be varied according to circumstances, but everyone in the section must be trained to fire the light machine gun and anti-tank rifle.
No spare barrel will be carried with the gun during movement. In the defence, if the light machine gun is required to fire on fixed lines the tripod mounting must be used. One man will he responsible for erecting the tripod. In defence he will carry a spare barrel and will assist the firer to keep the gun in action.
Personal equipment.
Each man has a haversack and pack.
The haverack will be worn on the back and should normally contain:—
- Water bottle.
- Mess tin.
- Emergency ration.
- Knife, fork and spoon.
- Cardigan (when not worn).
- Waterproof sheet or cape anti-gas under the flap of the haversack.
The pack will usually be carried on the platoon truck and will contain:—
- 1 pr. socks.
- Cap comforter.
- Soft cap.
- Holdall.
- Soap.
- Towel.
- 1 pr. laces.
- Greatcoat.
- Housewife.
Follow 