Canadian 1916 Dismounted Pattern Yoke and Shoulder Straps

The 1916 Dismounted Yoke has been rethought from the 1915 adaptation of the original Oliver Pattern yoke. This photo shows the more direct and tighter lead of the yoke, a change which I found made a huge difference for comfort. The double back strap of the 1915 yoke has been replaced by a single strap which fastens to a ring fixed to the centre of the belt.

The forward leading straps are designed to buckle into the ammunition pouches as we have seen. This is where we return to some of the more complex leather gymnastics of the Oliver Pattern because the Large Pack must also share this space for its own fastening.

This next picture shows how three pieces of leather strapping must be placed to secure buckles and keepers. All three come together in one sandwich at the last keeper. Note how the strap at this very end of the system must reverse the orientation of its placement, so that the leather reappears right side up after passing through the ammunition pouch ring. The second buckle to the right is for the Large Pack strap. In comparing this to the simple attachment of the P'08 webbing in the last posting one sees a vast difference in degrees of complexity.

This next photo shows the front view of the yoke buckled into the pouches. The upper buckle has been put to use to hold the Large Pack strap which will be explained in the next posting. It can be seen going over the shoulders. The lead for the strap is sewn on the yoke. I have also seen the lead made as a full loop riveted and sewn in place with a decorative "x" worked into the leather.

A less common view is of the yoke and belt without any accoutrements as seen below.

The yoke rides nicely around the neck, but I find it is better if it is not led through the epaulettes. I don't know what would have been considered proper.

This equipment is available from What Price Glory. Check it at this link.

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October 22. Here's an addition: I have been lent a very large pack that has used a 1916 yoke as its strap system. Here is a photo and a drawing of measurements.