What did a WW1 Soldier carry in his pack? 

If I didn't know any better, I would be convinced this man was a time traveler because of how well he tells his stories.

Each piece saved is a tribute to a man who was probably scared to death and possibly sacrificed everything. It is so important to remember them even if we don't know their names. And if they only could know that their spoon, binoculars, sewing kit, etc. continue their story.

Hi Kevin. My Grandfather was a successful surgeon in Chicago in 1917. He was drafted into the US Army Medical Corps at the rank of Captain and went ''over there'' with the AEF in '18. Even though he was back from the front, he still went deaf from the shelling. He was retained overseas until 1919, with the occupation of Germany. He brought back souvenirs: a pair of non-prismatic Feldglassen, an Iron Cross and a Croix de Guerre, and a 2'' belt buckle .. My Dad said he remembered an Artillery Luger with shoulder stock, but that disappeared during Prohibition or the Depression. [Chicago, yeah?] My Grandfather passed away long before I was born. I would have liked to meet him. He left us a fine collection of classic books.

Kevin, thank you for your service during WW1. 👍

I love the addition of a game for gambling in the kit. No matter how often the higher ups might try to get rid of gambling in the service throughout time, you will find it happening in any military encampment. Even Roman soldiers carried some dice for unofficial games. Loved the individual items stories that you relayed as well. A trait I learned from my mother to wonder and try to learn the stories of each item. As all items have some story to tell.

My Grandfather, on my Dads side, served with the United States Marine Corps in W.W.I at the Belleau Wood. Today there is not much left of what he had carried into battle but I do have his straight razor, dog tags & Soldiers book. I enjoy, as you say, being the "care taker" of what is left of his days of war. My Father served with the United States Marine Corps in the Korean War & I am the "care taker" of what he left behind during HIS time in war: a complete & full sea bag with gear & uniforms; I even have his M-1 Garand. I served with the United States Marine Corps during Desert Storm & have every little bit of what was issued to me. My Grand Fathers Grand Father also served with the United States Marine Corps during the American Civil War; I have nothing that he left behind. I hope that my son will carry on being the "care taker" of what all Three generations of Marines left behind from their time in war. My family members made it back home but, many of their friends did not. Simply possessing these items reminds me daily of the sacrifices made by the generations that came before me just to have the privileges we take for granted today. Like the spoon that you received from that farmer... if that spoon could talk, what experiences would it tell? Thanks for your content, I really enjoy your channel. Ooh Rah!

Excellent article. I have many of these items, from my Grandfather's service in the 1st Bn. Liverpool Pals 1914-1919. His 'hussif' saw me through my service in the Royal Navy 1975-1998, and is still in use today, albeit augmented with modern sewing kit. Many thanks.

You sir! a national treasure unto yourself. So much authenticity in what you present. You show in so much authenticity what it was like to live in whatever timeframe you found yourself in. Your enthusiasm for what you do is the very thing that keeps people coming back for more. This video helps me understand more what my grandfather went through at Vimy. I cant feel anything but awe at what it was truly like and you brought some of that realism back in this video. Thank you so much

I'm really enjoying these ww1 videos Kevin. I've always been fascinated by modern military history. Going back to the last video you did about the angels of Mons and you presented your Lee Enfield with fixed bayonet. I suddenly thought to myself. Imagine being a German soldier in August of 1914. You've been told that this invasion of Belgium will be fairly easy and straightforward, so you're absolutely confident of a quick victory. When suddenly you're confronted by a British Tommy, he's caked in mud, blood and filth. He's barefoot, his feet bloodied and shredded. And yet somehow he's charging towards you. Pure hatred in his eyes, screaming like the God of war, and on top of that he's got a 17 inch peice of Sheffield steel, aimed squarely at your belly. Must of been unnerving.

I appreciate the insight and reverence you have when sharing these items. We should not forget these men's sacrifices.

I always find it so fascinating how almost everything in an army kit has more than one use to conserve weight. Even in medieval armies as well as modern ones, theres so much thought and ingenuity that goes into simple little things like bags and soup bowls. Thanks for the great video!

Absolutely fascinating! Every item has so many stories to tell, and you tell them brilliantly. The bit about that worn out spoon is so true, it's a shame not everyone can appreciate the incredible history that may be found in the most mundane objects. Wish I had a history teacher even 10% as good as you when I was at school.

This was a great video. I am originally from Newfoundland Canada. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment was destroyed at Beaumont Hamel, so that spoon could be from a member of that regiment. I also spent 25 years in the Canadian Military as an Infantry soldier in The Royal Canadian Regiment retiring as a Warrant Officer. I really appreciate the dedication you have to highlighting military history from all different eras. Thanks.

as a collector of WWI material, it’s always nice to see these objects in context and well presented! Excellent stuff!

My great Uncle was in the Canadian Field Artillery, 52nd Battery, 18 pound gun with 6 horses, Artillery gunner. He took the RMS Olympic over, painted in dazzle camouflage in 1916. He got home safe.

Kevin thank you so much for such an honest history channel. I adore learning what has gone before me. I believe my uncles served at d-day. My father at Cyprus and suez as a para. He refused to tell me much, I think because he had wished that he had known why he was being asked to fight. I think he also didn’t want me to sign up. As most of my family complained about his army stories going on and on. Strangely they can’t remember any of them. I am so pleased to watch someone who does not shirk away from the horror of history, I also have a great deal to thank WWII for. My father was evacuated to Nottinghamshire where he had a great time and learned an enormous amount about wildlife which he did pass on to me along with a great desire to learn. Now I’m nearly 40 and too old and wise to enlist I think he would be happy that I take on the importance of the horrors of war from an educator as great as yourself. I only wish that those who create war were the ones to fight it. Thankfully yours and hopeful for peace.

Hey Kevin , you my friend are a national treasure. My Grandad was wounded three times in WW1 whilst serving with the Royal Artillery . This is a fantastic enlightening vid for future generations to treasure ,and even I remember the bullnose cor they would last for years . Keep up the good work and well done that man 👌🫡

All the war graves throughout the world and yet there are still so many who are left out on the field, I’m glad you showed us that piece of uniform it really humanizes the conflict. I hope you continue to carry that with you many people need to see it.

I'm from Melbourne and use Oxo beef stock cubes still! My Grandma is 96 and still likes to have a little cup of stock just like you said. Her father and some older brothers were in WW1 and must have brought the tradition home to her and the rest of the family.

I noticed the Marksman tapes on your arm. My dad had those. I have most of his stuff but that reminded me that I've not seen them in ages. Another fascinating video again, Kevin.

Fascinating that it is not far away from what I had in bags in the end of the 80's. Immediately recognized the sewing kit when you took it out 😁. Regarding can openers- I love the german field cutlery which have that as a part of the carrier (incl. the more important bottle opener...)

Enjoyed this one too Kev, great to see historical pieces surviving for 100+ years 🤘🏹

Truly amazing. Thank you so much for showing us this.

Hi, Kevin. I just discovered your channel 40 minutes ago and I really enjoy your videos. I like the way you share your stories, so warm and honest, as if listening to one's own grandpa. Well, I never had any since I was born long after their deaths. So, thank you for being a grandfather figure to me through your stories. Take care.

Very interesting,my grandfather was shot and wounded at Passiondale. Went few years later joined the Home Guard. I often asked him about the war but he never talked about it.

Your mention of the food in your pack reminded me that things were very similar 30 years later. In 1947 my Father was serving with The Duke of Wellingtons Regiment in the Sudan, and when sent on patrol in the desert they were given "haversack rations", bully beef and ships biscuits. When opened, the corned beef was more like a thick soup because of the heat, not the most appetizing meals I'm sure.

My Dad, , bless him. No longer with us would be over the moon to see your videos. Please keep them going, youngsters need to know how it was. Many thanks.

that thing the copper said to you about at least 80 bodies a year really puts "I died in hell, they called it Passchendaele" quote into perspective.

I am amazed at how little my forerunners in the services carried so little. In my time, we had 80 pounds of stuff on our backs and then some. The command to drop packs just prior to an assault was always a relief of sorts. Thank you for sharing this, Sir.

Hi Kevin, This one goes on the list of your videos I’m showing to my History students. It’s truly a wonderful thing to own a piece of history. About 25 years ago I worked with a lady who gave me her uncle’s compass from WW1. It’s one of my most treasured items. Cheers! Kevin

Great update:) Thank you

Absolutely fascinating Kevin, amazing how many things they carried but virtually all essential.

The old Sunlight Soap is still made and used in many Australian households including mine. As are the OXO cubes,still one of the best beef stock cubes ever made. Great vid as always mate

Thanks Kevin. I truly enjoy your presentation and teaching style. It is amazing to see how much was in those two little pouches. I too have an original bit of WW1 gear, a pair of hand operated hair clippers that belonged to my grandfather on my Dads side. He served in France with the USMC in WW1. I guess even the field, one must have a proper haircut. Goes along with needing to be clean shaven. Cheers from Texas.

I have spent many many hours at the War Memorial in Canberra A.C.T but I enjoyed watching this so much. Thank you so much ❤

Grandfather had 4 years as private in WW1. Youngest of 13, three of his brothers listed on their village war memorial. They'd been railway gangers for their nearby stretch of rail, but I can't remember the job title. For survivors, there were vacancies to get into better work. Became a policeman in Liverpool after war, rose to Deputy Chief Constable. Reenlisted as Military Police colonel in WW2. Went into France shortly days after D-Day to reestablish civil order. Thanks for this.

Excellent content as usual 🙂 I'd love to see more about the great war and life in the trenches especially and maybe some about the tunnelers who laid the huge mines. It's definitely a bit morbid but the great war has always fascinated me 👍

I have my grandfather's pocket knife from the first World War. That round bit that comes off the back, is not a hoof pick, although you could use it as one if you were careful, it is a Marlin Spike for untying knots. It's a shame they've changed the physical shape of Oxo cubes so they no longer will fit in that tin.

Great stuff! Thankyou Sir

Amazing! Some of the things are still in use today, but slightly different. It brings me back to the time that I served in the military. Thank you very much for sharing.

Kevin, The knife you show 4.00 was probably designed for the RN and not the BA. The dark pointy bit you note for removing stones in a horse's hoof is called a marlinspike. It is an aid in rope work, not that the BA would do much of that. OXO cubes are still about and still good. We have them in the kitchen cabinet. As to the can opener, I have my father's P38 can opener from WW2 on my key ring. They were originally issued with K-rations and later C-rations. They were no longer needed when the US military shifted to MREs. Interestingly they are still produced and sold world wide.

Thank you for sharing. Fascinating.

Outstanding video. Thanks 👍

Great video Thank you

I love his storytelling. I was so immersed the entire time until I realised the video ended.

Fantastic video as always.

Right up my street this video, excellent thanx

Brilliant work my friend!

Absolutely brilliant, Sir! Seeing the small yet vital items carried by the average soldier of the Great War is always a solemn treat. Thank you.

Thank you and have a great week.

A very dear friend of mine passed in 1988 served in both wars. Egypt and France WWI and Papua New Guinea WWII. He was the sweetest sole. I adopted him as my Grandfather. I have recordings of those days as he told me his stories. He Never went to the ANZAC service or Armistice services. Back then it wasn't as respected as it is now. Too painful I think. He claimed his survival to being the Lewis Machine gunner for WWI and machine gunner for WWII. He had pieces of shrapnel embedded in his skull from the daisy cutter bombs. He was a great artist as well. Still think of him often. Totally enjoyed this Kevin. I remember some of those items at his place. Thank you. :)

Very good video! Thank you!

Thank you for this bit of history

Amazing bit of stuff . Thanks .

Thank you once more for your fantastic work in keeping the memories of the people who died for us alive .

Great job Kevin, thanks for sharing 😊👍

This is incredible, so much information. Thank you .

thank you for making this film .

Wonderfully done!!!!

What a great explanation! Thank you history squad :)

As a child in the early 1950’s I used tooth powder here in the States. I was surprised by the can opener because I was used to the American P38.

Thank you for sharing this snapshot of history

Brilliant 👏 👏 love the video! You do great work keeping the "History " alive! Hats off to ya cheers!!

Excellent video!

Thank You Sgt... fascinating items from WW1..

Very interesting, thank you for sharing

amazing just how many things that would hold. As always enjoyed your little story and thanks

Fascinating, thank you!!

Many thanks for the upload and for keeping stories and information like this in the easily accessible public domain.

Great video Kevin ❤️🇬🇧

Thanks for sharing 👌very interesting

Another great story from history. Thanks for sharing Kevin!

Wonderful, thanks mate!

Thankyou for the look into what a soldier carried in ww1. Your videos are always good. Videos like this need to be shown in schools least we forget. God bless them all.

Thank you Sarge. Wonderfully told. Please keep up the great work.

These videos are pure gold. Thank you for sharing.

Once again an amazing video! My grandfather was in WW1 in the Canadian Army, now I know what he carried....enlightening.

Kevin this was so great. What a huge amount of priceless history you have there. Thanks for sharing

Brilliant as always, thanks very much!

Thank you very much, very interesting!

Respectfully done. Thanks.

I really appreciate your knowledge and reverence!

Absolutely facinating thank you

I'm glad you just tooted that whistle; I'm wearing headphones and one of my few weaknesses are high-pitched sounds! We all have weaknesses as we all feel fear.

I believe that WW1 British soldier is better supplied than 2022 Russian soldier.

Fantastic and very informative.

Thank you for this video. I'm 27 and ever since I was little (far back as I can remember) I have always love love loved any type of history especially WW1 and WW2. It always fascinated me. And the way you are happy and smiling showing all of your items makes me so happy and intrigued to see what the soldiers were issued. Awesome video thank you

Superb video,,really interesting. That spoon really choked me up. Thank you for looking after it for the unknown soldier. As an antiques dealer I sometimes get the odd throwaway, personal item that was once somebodies treasure. I always try keep it for them.

Good vid. Very informative.

Very interesting enjoyed your video. Living history.

Kevin, thanks for an amazing and informative series of videos. Some years ago, I was involved in running a Scout Troop in Scotland. At one summer camp we gave the lads the sort of food items you have described and asked them to make the food for one day. Jam, crushed biscuits and corned beef cooked together wasn’t to everyone’s liking, but it was food and made the lads appreciate the day-to-day life of WW I trench warfare. I did come across an old sealed tin of “hard tack” many years ago. As you pointed out, as hard as stone. Thanks again.

Absolutely fascinating. Growing up I've always wanted to know more about the soldiers ether side of the conflict and what they carried weapon, gear special equipment. Also what they needed just to get through the day I hope for more of these videos thanks very much.

Thank you that was great!

Sir, thank you for your service. I really appreciate this video. Nicely done!

I love all the history you have in your kit

I love these videos. Very entertaining.

Very entertaining! Thank you!

Thank you so much for showing these things! This is what I love about history the day to day affects of the actual soldier, the human side of the war. I have to this day, a harmonica, passed on from my great grandfather that he apparently took off a German as well, still works too, still in the hand painted box. I see you also have a Royal Lincolnshire badge as well! Thank you for telling the stories of the everyday soldier who was just trying to make it to the next day.

Fascinating!! History alive.

yet again, thank you kevin