Question for Brit para experts

[pomz99]

Are there any pics of setting up the leg bag and the rifle valise for a drop -
where does one attach the length of cord?
I've read somewhere that the paras would hold on to the valise as he exited the plane and then manually release the extension rope from the rifle bag once the chute was deployed. As for the leg bag, they would place the bag on their right foot while holding it upright with their right hand, at the moment to jump, they had to swing the right leg/bag out the door and push off with their left hand - then releasing the extension rope when the chute has deployed.
Hope someone can clarify the use of the extension rope.

thanks

 

[Kev Longino]

The kit bag attached to the lower leg by means of a quick release binding , it had a cutaway for the foot in some models. The rope was attached to the parachute harness and when the canopy opened the para released the kit bag and lowered it on the rope before making his landing.
If you can , check out either the "D-Day Paratroopers,Britain etc" or "The British Soldier" Vol1 by Histoires & Collectiones for some good clear pics.

 

[Kev Longino]

I just remembered this very good site which has some nice reenactor pics , including some of the gear in question
http://www.6th-airborne.org/equipment.html
Look under Gear , then Equipment on the site map as it seems to send all links back to the homepage
Hope this helps

 

[pomz99]

Thanks for the reference site, that's exactly what I am searching for.