Historical information

The haversack is the brown version (as opposed to the tropical version) issued by the Australian army. Designed inspired from the British haversack with the Australian using a Lift The Dot system instead of a pull tab.
This model uses the same ring strap connector as the British haversack.

Significance

The object is representative of military light gas mask pouch circa mid 20th century.

Physical description

Of rectangular parallelepipped shape made of thick and sturdy fabric (canvas). The colour is faded to a very pale shade of green. Some patches of original colour remain under the pocket flaps showing a darker shade of green.
Front view - Rectangular shape with overlapping closing flap with a fastener to maintain closed
Left and right views - Both sides have a small pocket attached. Pockets are maintained closed with a press-stud There is a metal buckle on top of the small pockets to attach a lanyard (using items 2020.000018-2 & 2020.000018-3).
Back view - Rectangular with metal hooks on top and bottom to enable attachment to a strap/webbing.
Bottom view - ‘U’ shaped stitching apparent (for internal pocket) with a metal stud slightly off center of the base (enabling closing of the internal pocket).
Top view - closing flap overlapping on 3 sides and attached to the fabric forming the back part of the pouch.
Inside view - On the inside, there is a small pocket at the bottom closed with a press-stud. There is also a loop of fabric fastened with another metallic press-stud. There is also an insert against the back pannel (full heighth of the pannel).

Inscriptions & markings

The fastener of the main cover flap has "LIFT THE DOT" inscribed on the outside.
Contains the Department of Defense symbol on the inside of the cover flap.