Original Item: Only One Available. The British Army has long created pieces of equipment for troops with specialist roles. Where once cavalry had their own equipment optimized for warfare on horseback, by the Second World War tank crews had also received specialist clothing and equipment designed to help them fight as easily as possible in the tight confines of the tank. One area that needed to be addressed was that of side arms and their holsters. If a tank were to be hit and the crew forced to bail out, they would need some form of personal protection. The standard British Army revolver was chosen to fulfill this need, but the standard holsters worn on the belt were not ideal as they had a habit of catching on the equipment in the tank.

To get around this, a new ‘tankers’ holster was introduced. This was worn low on the upper thigh and strapped to the leg in an attempt to prevent it snagging. This holster was still not ideal and many were modified by shortening the top strap so it rested closer to the hip and removing the securing strap so it hung loose. This unofficial modification was to become a standard type in 1943 and new holsters started being manufactured in this style.

This is an excellent condition khaki canvas Tanker holster for the .38 Webley revolver, one of many modified to remove the thigh strap and shorten the hanger. It is marked [M.]E. Co 1942 (Broad Arrow) inside the belt loop, which is partly covered by the restitched top portion. The holster will fit the 3 inch up to the standard 5 inch models. This modified holster simply hangs from a belt, has a slot for a cleaning rod and also has six bandolier type slots for six individual rounds.

The holster is in great shape without any noticeable issues. It is missing the brass cleaning rod. The belt loop still works great. A great example, ready for further research and display.