Question Regarding British Kit [Archive]

TacoDelRio

02-06-2005, 10:12 AM

Hello guys

I've been reading "Bravo Two Zero" for the past two days. I was wondering, more in depth, exactly what kind of belt kit (LBE) was Mr. McNab wearing during their operation?

And also, I find myself *nearly* getting hypothermia a bit too often in the field. All I've got to make warm food (aside form 1991 series MRE heaters = crap) is one of those cheapo little collapsible stoves. What kind did the SAS commonly use in the Gulf War? If it works for them, it should be more than adequete for me.

I'm curious, and all I can find online about the 22nd SAS is either crappy info, stuff I already have in books affilliated with the SAS, or Czechoslovakian airsoft teams.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ryan

Roger Rabbit

02-06-2005, 10:23 AM

I have no idea what the SAS use to heat up food but you can't really go wrong with a gas cooker for camping.

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Coleman-F1-Power-Stove.html
http://www.mobilegas.co.uk/caravan-camping/images/stoves/coleman_f1_ultralight.jpg
It breaks down into two parts, the gas canister and the other part(technical term escapes me). Very light, heats water very quickly, easy to use.

TacoDelRio

02-06-2005, 10:29 AM

That looks good. Kind of like those MSR stoves. Problem being this stove isn't carried in 3rd line / Rucksack, but in my own belt kit. Gotta fit in my assbag (buttpack).

I messed with one of those stoves you listed at a surplus store though. Handy. It seems the French and Canadians make alot of the fuel bottles for them!

Ryan

Adam Wilhelm

02-06-2005, 01:11 PM

McNab and the rest of the boys wore standard PLCE-kit.
And they had a mesh-vest with 2 big pockets on the front.
The crew in the movie didn´t have this vest and the also didn´t have the sand coloured smock wich SAS used during Op. Granby.
Interesting to know is that Silvermans BOTH had the vest and the smock for sale in the late 90.

Edit: found both the vest and the smock at http://www.silvermans.co.uk

The vest: http://www.silvermans.co.uk/SILVER/PRODUCTS/1/70604.JPG

The smock: http://www.silvermans.co.uk/SILVER/PRODUCTS/1/22010.JPG

Scrim

02-06-2005, 01:20 PM

Brits carry "Hexi-burners" in belt kit.(small folding solid fuel burner.)
I would post a pic, but cant on crappy work computer, just Google it.

Roger Rabbit

02-06-2005, 01:37 PM

Hexi burner
http://img228.exs.cx/img228/4687/hexi0022mo.jpg
Burner opened up with 1 tablet of hexi.
http://img115.exs.cx/img115/560/hexi0045la.jpg
The hexi is issued so there are no problems with getting more when your out in the field. However gas isnt so you have to carry ufficient to last you the duration. I find that gas heats up water far quicker than hexi and it doesn't cover the bottom of your mess tin in a horrible black substance. You can fit 8 hei tablets in side the burner when it is folded flat, the burner will then fit inside your mess tim with enough room for some other items. Gas cannisters won't.

Scrim

02-06-2005, 03:40 PM

MSR makes a good little stove called the "pocket rocket". It folds up real small and fits in a hard plastic carry case about 3/4 the size of a Toblerone bar.

http://www.msrcorp.com/stoves/pocket_rocket.asp

But like Roger Rabbit said youve still got to deal with hauling gas around.

On a side note, good hexi tabs are near to impossible to find in the US. All Ive ever found are thes little pieces of **** the size of ice cubes made by Coleman or someone. If anyone knows where to get good "real" hexi tabs in the US, please let me know.

mattmayhem

02-06-2005, 08:00 PM

Basically their belt kit would have been a mix of PLCE and possibly the older SAS pouches and american alice kit. In bravo two zero there is a pic of McNab's webbing and he has a standard PLCE setup (OG painted tan) with an American canteen pouch. Like the others said they also had the old pattern assault vests. Belt kit would have contained ammo, water, medical kit, tacbe, emergency rations (aswell as the hexi stove for making a brew) and an E&E kit.

Zorro C9

02-07-2005, 01:17 AM

Booo hexi.

TacoDelRio

02-07-2005, 06:47 AM

Wow thanks guys.

Yeah I have a mini stove that burns those hexi things. Each block is about 1x1" (inches) square, and about 1/2 inch thick. They do leave a mess, and they make alot of stinkage. :| People ask me "What the hell are you burning now?". "**** I'm just making a snack!".

Thanks for the links, Adam. Looks like a good spot, I'm shopping there now.

My hexi block stove is a small piece of crap. I think Ill go buy one of those German ones next chance I get.

I need to get one of those windproof winter "SAS" smocks. I've always wanted one! I heard Arktis makes a good one.

Well, that crappy little stove is about to get some serious exercise. Tuesday it'll be fine. Wednesday it's gotta cook parts of me so I can still use my hands!

Thanks guys
-Ryan

martinexsquaddie

02-09-2005, 05:53 AM

hexe the non flammable solid fuel
only way I figured t how to get one to light every time was oil soaked cleaning flannalette worked every time

Beer Monster

02-09-2005, 07:24 AM

........ each issue hexi burner now comes with a special adapter (http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=2004) to fit on the top which will hold the crusader mug (..... new issue slowly making its way into service!). The crusader mug also has a special burner (http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20008) that you can use to burn greenheat gel or hexi ...... not issue yet but quite gucci and works a treat.

Para

02-09-2005, 03:20 PM

These days you can use almost any thing that suits you, most of the lads use their own packs, and many other things. As far as heating up your food and drinks we used to use plastic explosive, you made a small hole in the ground where you could stand your mug or mess cans over it then place a small bit of plastic explosive in the whole and light it carefully. It would burn with great heat and in few seconds all your stuff was done to a turn.

EsoognomEhT

02-09-2005, 07:05 PM

hexy rocks ! Except for when you stick too much on and get a hexi disaster :lol: :lol:

As for getting hypothermia, get a softee mate

EsoognomEhT

02-09-2005, 07:07 PM

hexe the non flammable solid fuel
only way I figured t how to get one to light every time was oil soaked cleaning flannalette worked every time

Stick ya match/lighter in the slots on the bottom of the hexi, underneath the block + ta-da!
Failing that, bycycle inner tubing ;]

TacoDelRio

02-10-2005, 03:28 AM

Yeah I need a new bag and shelter, and ruck, and parka, and...

Oh well. Money ain't free.

EsoognomEhT

02-10-2005, 07:37 AM

well at least a poncho and a few bungees doesnt cost much mate :}

TacoDelRio

02-10-2005, 07:54 AM

well at least a poncho and a few bungees doesnt cost much mate :}

True, but a poncho and bunjee cords don't last long against 60mph winds with snow driving into your astonished face as your shelter just flew away. :fork: ;)

I gotta get one of those DPM Smocks! In an honest opinion, are they better for cold places than American issue parkas?

Beer Monster

02-10-2005, 10:09 AM

I gotta get one of those DPM Smocks! In an honest opinion, are they better for cold places than American issue parkas?

Depends what you mean. Most DPM smocks are windproof (but not all, so best to check) but don't have any insulation what so ever. During the Falklands conflict some insulated DPM Parkas (http://www.surplusandadventure.com/ishop/800/shopscr2551.html)were issued that have a quilted lining (http://www.camo.co.uk/parkaliner.htm)and special hood. I've never used the Parka but we used to get issued a liner similar to the parka one but minus the sleeves bit like a body warmer (for those that remember the good old Chinese fighting kit!) it was pretty good but has been replaced by the new fleece.

I personally use a snugpak softie jacket (no squaddie/jock is without one!) as mongoose mentioned or a buffalo shirt (http://www.sportswarehouse.co.uk/acatalog/Special_6_Shirt_.html)teamed with this windproof smock (http://www.sasskit.co.uk/products/militaryclothing/sasforce8smock.htm). Very good comb in my opinion.

My buffalo shirt has finally bitten the dust so after the recommendations of some of the Norwegians on the board (Marcus!) I've just ordered a Nanok jacket (http://www.johnbullclothing.com/products.asp?ID=1933) .......... very very warm plus you can wear it over your webbing/assault vest etc when sat in the back of 4 tonners/landies. Toasty!

TacoDelRio

02-11-2005, 11:01 PM

Thanks for the info!

Anythign is better than what I've got right now.

PaddyASCUK

02-12-2005, 05:29 AM

Check the available photos of B2Z, and they apear to be wearing SAAV's and chest rigs.

Adam Wilhelm

02-12-2005, 06:45 AM

Check the available photos of B2Z, and they apear to be wearing SAAV's and chest rigs.

Really???

Look at the pictures more carefully and re-read my earlier post.

Edit: added picture

http://www.greendevils.pl/g_d_l/scud_hunters/Bravo_Two_Zero.jpg

PLCE-kit, assualt vest and bandoliers

tenda

02-12-2005, 08:01 AM

wow..that's a really interesting thread...!!! ;)
tnx a lot ;)

Sabre

02-12-2005, 04:11 PM

By the look of the pics in his book, 'McNab' was wearing a mix of the old 'bespoke' armalite pouches, PLCE utility pouches, 58 patt and ALICE waterbottles plus the old 70's assault vest.

For cooking kit, I haven't a bloody clue what they carried!

What a lot of guys do is work on the basis of the 'live from your bergen, fight from your belt kit and survive on your pockets' philosophy. In your pockets should be the means to attain food and fire (ie, knife, flint, matches etc) plus maybe a bit of scran. In your webbing should be bullets, bombs and water. These are the supplies that you use to fight and subsequently replenish. Also in your webbing should be 24-48 hours of rations, an extensive survival kit and an emergency cooker. This pouch should never have to be opened unless you get separated from your bergen. In your bergen/patrol pack goes all the stuff you live on day to day. I carry my gas stove in with my rations.

Some guys keep their 'pocket rockets' in their smock so they can make an easy brew if they need to without their bergens.

For an emergency cooker, I just wrapped up four hexiblocks with some windproof matches and three long nails in some plastic and taped it up. The nails support your mug and the matches light the hexi which in turn lights whatever fuel you scavenged (four hexis won't last long).

Hope that helps.

PS Get some warm kit mate!!!! Nanok jackets are the sh*t. Down ones are good, but not for military use (can't keep them dry)

TacoDelRio

02-13-2005, 12:35 AM

Thanks for that, Sabre.

I do similar deals with the allocation of certain crap to your 1st, 2nd and 3rd line gear.

I've got this ****ty little surplus cooker that takes hexi blocks. I bought a ****load of hexis, and I keep em' in my "EOD" pouch for use in conjunction with firestarters, and tinder etc. There ain't **** for tinder in the desert, especially in snow as you said, so it's good to have plenty of those little hexi f*ckers in yer parka. I need tog et another one of those stoves. This one is alright, but maybe I should upgrade from the $4.50 one to the ELITE $5.50 one.

Thanks!

Howitz

02-13-2005, 01:23 AM

esbit's the way to go, not sure if it's what you're refering to.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=1055&memberId=12500226

and pretty much everything else you'll ever need to know on the subject:
http://hikinghq.net/stoves/esbit.html

TacoDelRio

02-13-2005, 03:34 PM

I like the second link!

Thanks!

mattmayhem

02-13-2005, 09:54 PM

By the look of the pics in his book, 'McNab' was wearing a mix of the old 'bespoke' armalite pouches, PLCE utility pouches, 58 patt and ALICE waterbottles plus the old 70's assault vest.

)

Sabre, do you think that pouch to the right of his alice canteen cover is a P58 water bottle pouch? How do you think the PLCE yoke is attached without the PLCE ammo pouches? Finally have you ever seen the older OG PLCE ammo pouches with the snap lids?

Sabre

02-14-2005, 07:15 AM

^
The pouch to the right of the ALICE is a 58 pattern w/b pouch. The next pouch along is probably another 'bespoke' armalite pouch. The armalite pouches must have a loop to attack a yoke, I've seen them used with 58 yokes which need a loop too. Yes, I have seen the first pattern PLCE with the snap closures. Only the ammo pouches though. They had a single 'flap' lid with two press studs.

oldsoak

02-14-2005, 10:06 AM

Malc

02-14-2005, 12:38 PM

Sabre just out of interest, where did you get that picture in your avatar from?

RGRBOX

02-14-2005, 03:48 PM

You've been reading that book for 2 years... damn your slow.. :lol:

As for kit, anything goes...Heat tabs..

Sabre

02-14-2005, 06:41 PM

Sabre just out of interest, where did you get that picture in your avatar from?

Got it off a random website. Not sure of the address. Sorry!

Adam Wilhelm

02-15-2005, 02:14 PM

Sabres picture is originally from the British Army photopage.
It´s an paratrooper from the Pathfinder platoon.

TacoDelRio

02-18-2005, 12:17 AM

One disadvantage of hexi is that it smells pretty distinctive and produces a nice yellow flame which can mean hot scoff is off the menu for the croak and stagger types. Brit boil in the bag jobs can be eaten cold, but I suspect US MRE's with the heater pads are probably more favoured by those who'd want to keep tactical.

Depending on what heaters you get, they're almost useless as hell sometimes. I've had brand new ones, as in made literally weeks before consumption, and I'm currently using the dirty 1991 series heaters.

Dude, they all suck. In all honesty, just eat your jambalaya cold, and use the heaters to keep the frostbite away from your hands. It's alot better.

Oh yeah I'm still reading it 2 years later! I failed out of 2nd grade :( .
I just like the whole E&E part.

Steve Andrews

02-18-2005, 06:25 AM

I'll stick up for the Hexy cooker. I neve had a problem with it.
On a windy day it helped to dig a small pit for the cooker, leaving room for air to get down to the burning block.
Effective, simple, light and free..

RFSU

02-18-2005, 10:15 AM

Hexi stove with PE for fuel. never fails.

TacoDelRio

02-18-2005, 10:55 AM

Question: Can anyone show me a picture of British rations / their version of MRE's?

digrar

02-18-2005, 11:00 AM

Except when you use to much and burn a hole in the bottom of your canteen.
I like the stoves that fit on your cups canteen, they don't collapse like the issued stoves tend to do.

http://img240.exs.cx/img240/5684/mvc4001f6fx.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

TacoDelRio

02-18-2005, 11:01 AM

/\
|
|
|
Word.

king_nothing100

02-18-2005, 12:14 PM

Question: Can anyone show me a picture of British rations / their version of MRE's?

http://www.practicalairsoft.co.uk/gp-menu.asp

TacoDelRio

02-18-2005, 01:41 PM

Thank's KN

WTF are "Boiled Sweets"? Innards or something?

Roger Rabbit

02-18-2005, 01:59 PM

Thank's KN

WTF are "Boiled Sweets"? Innards or something?

Hard candy.

EsoognomEhT

02-18-2005, 06:15 PM

new ones are being phased in now, Duncans choc replaced with Yorkie bars, Hot pepper sauce included etc

EsoognomEhT

02-18-2005, 06:17 PM

http://www.mod.uk/dlo/catering/operations/ops2/10man_orp.htm

http://www.mod.uk/dlo/catering/operations/ops2/24hr_orp.htm

24 is the standard issue to troops, 10 men are usually issued to field kitchens. But Ive never had them except on private trips (canoeing etc)

Sabre

02-18-2005, 06:31 PM

Apparently, tankies used to get them for convenience. There aint 10 men in a tank, but it's easy enough to chuck one in a stowage bin, and more varied stuff in them. Think they used them anyway, might be wrong.

I remember the old tin can rations. Bacon grill, tins of sugar, fruit salad....mmmmm, fruit salad..... :lol:

Steak and kidney pudding was good too, came in a tin with pastry near the top and the meat at the bottom.

MrSkorotsnoy wrote:
Thank's KN

WTF are "Boiled Sweets"? Innards or something?

rofl

No, boiled sweets are nice. The innards are in the main meals! :D

Have to say my fav meal at the moment is 'chicken and herb dumplings'. Add a bit of broken up 'biscuit brown' to the meal (to soak up some of the gravy) and you've got one nice meal.

I can't stand anything with beans in anymore, it gives me heartburn. I routinely carry antacids in the field now cos of that crap!

EsoognomEhT

02-19-2005, 01:58 PM

RGRBOX

02-19-2005, 02:39 PM

I hope the Brit Rations have gotten better, the last time I had them they were in cans, a box marked one man 24 days or 24 men for one day... Too much stuff that pudding but it's nit the pudding I grew up on...

Malc

02-19-2005, 02:55 PM

How long do brit ration packs stay good for, ive had one for about 3 years, haven't got round to using it yet.

EsoognomEhT

02-19-2005, 03:14 PM

ages mate. Ive eaten 1992 before, only thing wrong was the rolos melted (rolos! shows how old it was lol)

Steve Andrews

02-19-2005, 05:07 PM

I remember the old tin can rations. Bacon grill, tins of sugar, fruit salad....mmmmm, fruit salad..... Laughing

Steak and kidney pudding was good too, came in a tin with pastry near the top and the meat at the bottom.

Wasnt the cheese banned because it turned poisonous or something!? I ate loads of that crap :E

Ah.. "cheese, processed" or "cheese, possessed" as it was known.
It had photoluminescent properties. You could dangle a chunk from the comms cord by your basha so that it was easy to find on the way back from stag ;)

RGRBOX

02-19-2005, 05:10 PM

TacoDelRio

02-19-2005, 09:50 PM

Hmm gotta get me some of this ****.

I'm still a bit reluctant to use a hexi stove with US MRE's. Tried it once, kinda f*cked up the pouch a bit.

RGRBOX

02-20-2005, 05:43 AM

Hmm gotta get me some of this ****.

I'm still a bit reluctant to use a hexi stove with US MRE's. Tried it once, kinda f*cked up the pouch a bit.

Hey dude, you have to heat up the water in a canteen cup with it. Not the MRE pouch. That you either eat cold or use the heater pouch.

Sabre

02-20-2005, 07:22 AM

RGRBOX

02-20-2005, 10:06 AM

I remember the old tin can rations. Bacon grill, tins of sugar, fruit salad....mmmmm, fruit salad..... Laughing

Steak and kidney pudding was good too, came in a tin with pastry near the top and the meat at the bottom.

Wasnt the cheese banned because it turned poisonous or something!? I ate loads of that crap :E

Yeah, there's a load of rations knocking about with tape on saying 'cheese removed'! :lol:

I've seen MREs explode, they have the worst smell that you could emagine.