Original Items: Only One Available. The C-47 "Skytrain" could carry up to six Parapacks or Paracaissons per flight. These containers were dropped with the paratroopers and held the heavier equipment that would be needed on the ground during the initial assault. The A-4 and A-5 Aerial Delivery Container were two types of delivery containers that were used by the Airborne Divisions.

The A-5 Delivery Container consisted of a left end and a right end. The center section consisted of parachute webbing that would be secured over the cargo or a modified "Griswold" weapons case made into a center section. The markings on each end state:

LEFT (or right) END COVER
TYPE A-5 AERIAL
DELIVERY CONTAINER
CAUTION MUNITIONS

The Griswold Weapons Case (not included) was designed to protect the paratrooper's weapon while descending. The case consisted of a jute padded inside layer sewn to a khaki or olive drab canvas shell. This case was originally made to hold a disassembled M-1 Garand Rifle, but some have been modified by a Parachute Rigger to hold an assembled M-1 Thompson Submachine Gun. This modification was done by adding a green canvas extension to the end of the bag. There was a dotted rectangle on the rear of the bag where the attachment hook was sewn for attaching the bag to the parachutist's gear.

Often encountered on these containers are Type A-1 Lamps but are unfortunately not with these examples. The Type A-1 Lamp was used to mark the Parapack when deployed at night. The lamp, or light, aided the paratroopers to find and identify the equipment on the ground. Green lights were used for Quartermaster Corps Class III items - rations, water, clothing; Amber or Yellow lights were used for Ordnance Corps items - ammunition, weapons, spare parts; Red lights were used for Engineer Corps items - mines, explosives; and Blue lights were used for Chemical Warfare Corps items - gas related items, chemical grenades (AN-M8 Smoke, M-14 Thermite, etc) smoke shells, and the 4.2" Chemical Mortar and shells. The Type A-1 Lamp was held to the parapack via two metal loops that could be tied to any part of the pack. A small piece of plastic was placed between two metal electrical contacts, and when removed, the lamp would illuminate. The lamp was powered by two BA-30 Batteries or Type "C" cell. The lamp corresponded to the parachute color for visual identification, when the parapack was descending. Ordnance cargo would have a yellow parachute and yellow lamp. These colors were also used on the crates for shipping these items overseas. These markings were known as "corner markings". An Ordnance Corps crate would have yellow corner markings.

Both of these containers are in wonderful serviceable condition with no major damage. There is fading to the containers but the stenciling is still easily discernible and the inside lining is completely intact. All straps and buckles are in perfect working order with no tears.

Both containers are ready to be displayed with your WWII Airborne collections!