Cartridge Belt Suspenders
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Cartridge belt suspenders became part of the soldier's equipment during the early 1900's. Unlike pre 1903 soldiers such as those of the Spanish American War, who would only carry a bayonet on his cartridge belt, the soldier of 1903- 1910 would carry most of his combat load on his M1903 cartridge belt. The M1903 cartridge belt would support the soldier's haversack, canteen, first aid dressing, bayonet, and intrenching tool. Thus various web suspenders manufactured by Mills and Russell were employed to support the weight of the cartridge belt. With the introduction of the 1910 equipment, suspenders became an integral part of the haversack which was worn on the back, rather than hanging from the cartridge belt. Soldiers who were issued the M1910 haversack so longer needed the earlier model suspenders. However mounted soldiers were not issued the M1910 haversack and they retained the cartridge belt suspenders to support their load. Some doughboys would aquire a set of suspenders to use in the trenches.
Mills M1903 Cartridge Belt Suspenders
The Army's first cartridge belt suspenders were the M1903 and these can be identified by the wide shoulder straps and hardware supporting the straps that attached to the cartridge belt. Many of these Mills suspenders were used through 1918. They were used by National Guard soldiers on the Mexican Border in 1916-1917, National Army ( draftees) soldiers training in US camps, and also a unit of Engineers deployed to France using the suspenders. Carl Panak Collection
Mills M1907 Cartridge Belt Suspenders
In 1907 the cartridge belt suspenders were re-designed and a new simplified set was created. The new suspenders now had thinner, lightweight shoulder straps and used less hardware on the straps. This type would be produced through 1918 by Mills and Russell. Russell suspenders were dated, for example 1917 or 1918.
Mills M1917 Cartridge Belt Suspenders
Further simplification of the suspenders resulted in the model 1917 suspenders which now consisted of two one piece straps. This mismatched pair are dated July 1917 and November 1918.
USMC Officer with 1917 Suspender Strap
This re-creation is based on a photo of a group of USMC officers in 1918-1919. Many officers in the photo wear one strap of the M1917 Suspenders resembling a reversed Sam Browne belt, but in canvas web.
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