DOUGHBOYS: World War I- 1st Pattern M1910 Haversacks

1st Pattern M1910 Haversacks Click on the images for a larger image.
The M1910 haversack and pack carrier was the replacement for the pre 1910 haversacks, cartridge belt suspenders, and shelterhalf/ blanket roll. The soldier's load was now carried on his back, rather than hanging from his cartridge belt. Suspenders had become a part of the haversack which supported the soldier's cartridge belt.
Mills 1st pattern M1910 Haversack
Here is an early first pattern haversack, manufactured by Mills in 1911. The meat can pouch closes using a eagle snap fastner. This fastener is different than those used on cartridge belts in that the eagle snap is the male fastener while the female fastener resembles the later lift the dot snap.
The first pattern haversacks are distinguished by the eliptical shaped meat can pouch- which laces onto the haversack, and the wide, web and canvas trim suspenders. Also note the bent wire hooks used on the front suspenders and back strap. The last year of manufacture for the first pattern haversack was 1914. That same year, the second pattern haversacks began production. The first pattern haversacks saw extensive use by the regular Army during the Punitive Expedition in Mexico. Regular Army soldiers who arrived in France during the summer of 1917 were also equipped with the first pattern haversacks.
1st pattern M1910 Haversack
This haversack is dated 1914, manufactured by the Rock Island Arsenal. Note the button and hole method to close the meat can pouch.

The haversack was an awkwardly designed item which frustrated many soldiers and Marines. To pack the haversack, it was laid flat upon the ground, open. Items were neatly placed on the haversack, then it's flaps secured. If a doughboy needed to retrieve something from his haversack doing so would be a challenge which called for taking off his equipment and then unbuckling the various straps to get what was needed.
Only essential items were carried in the haversack. In his haversack, a doughboy would carry a bacon can, condiment can, two tins of hard crackers, personal hygiene items, and extra socks. In the meat can pouch the soldier's messkit, and eating utensils were carried. There is a small flap with two grommets under the meatcan pouch. The M1910 shovel carrier was attached to the small flap. Using the pack carrier which attached to the bottom of the haversack, the doughboy was able to carry his shelter half, blanket and extra clothing rolled up in a long bundle. The roll was placed in the bottom of the haversack and secured with the pack carrier. When the pack was not needed, it could be detached from the haversack by uncoupling the attaching strap.
This photo shows the eyelets used to lace the meat can pouch to the haversack.
1st pattern M1910 Pack Carrier This is the detachable 1st Pattern Pack Carrier which held the blanket/ shelter half roll. Note the distinctive "ears" at the bottom. The pack carrier had a leather strap which was sewn to the pack carrier. This feature would be eliminated from the 2nd pattern pack carriers in which the leather strap was a separate piece from the pack carrier.

This photo illustrates the 1st pattern M1910 haversack attached to the rifle cartridge belt.

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