How to Travel Light: Packing Tips for the Seasoned Reenactor.
Published: July 30, 2008
Author: Mike 'Squirrely' Ellis
Chapter 7
"The Entrenching Tool"
One final note on E-tools: you may need them, you may not. Entrenching tools were one of those items that were carried on condition, and that condition was the type of fighting encountered. For vehicle-bourne troops, or those fighting in an urban enviornment, they were left strapped to one's pack, or delivered by truck only when it was necessary to dig in. Others kept only the carrier on their belt, as rotating troops were ordered to leave their E-tools for the incoming relief force to dig-in with. Occasionally, men would resort to further shortening the already stop-gap instruments: this is well-known when it comes to paratroopers and the T-handle shovel, but it was also done by standard infantry to m43 shovels. Especially common was to simply tuck the m43 shovel, sans carrier, into one's belt.
Just the shovel - no carrier.
Shovel slipped into carrier, for easy access.
Just the carrier.
Short-handled E-tools - you'll have to look closely.
For size comparison.
By taking the time to examine and think about every last item in your kit prior to hitting the field for the weekend, you'll have the opportunity to really experience a day in the life of a GI. You may not have all the comforts that you could have, but you will have all the necessary items to get you through combat and basic GI existence.
-Squirrely
If you have any questions, comments, or additional ideas on traveling light, feel free to personally contact me via the email address above.
