These 1937 Webbing Shoulder Cross Straps by Kay Canvas are high-quality reproduction shoulder straps for the British Pattern 1937 webbing equipment. Also known as cross straps or braces, they form an essential part of a complete British or Commonwealth Second World War webbing set.
The cross straps run over the shoulders and help support the webbing belt, pouches and other equipment. For re-enactment, living history, film productions or museum displays, these are small but vital components: without proper shoulder straps, a webbing set simply loses its structure.
Kay Canvas is known for reproduction webbing that closely follows original 1937 Pattern equipment. These straps are colour matched to original WW2 webbing and feature a tight webbing weave with brass fittings. They are ideal for British Army, Royal Marines or Commonwealth impressions.
Subtle combination advice
For a complete 1937 webbing set, combine these shoulder cross straps with a 1937 webbing belt, basic pouches, water bottle carrier, bayonet frog, small pack and, where appropriate, an entrenching tool carrier. Together, these parts create the instantly recognizable equipment setup of the British and Commonwealth soldier during the Second World War.
Product specifications
- Reproduction item
- Brand / maker: Kay Canvas
- Model: British WW2 1937 Webbing Shoulder Cross Straps
- Also known as: cross straps / braces
- Suitable for 1937 Pattern webbing
- Affiliation: British
- Service: Army, Marines
- Material: woven webbing with brass fittings
- Available in 3 lengths:
- Normal: total strap length approx. 120 cm
- Long: total strap length approx. 138 cm
- X-Long: total strap length approx. 150 cm
- Suitable for re-enactment, living history, display and film/theatre productions
Historical Context
The Pattern 1937 Web Equipment was the standard load-carrying equipment used by British and many Commonwealth troops during the Second World War. The system included separate components such as a webbing belt, braces, basic pouches, water bottle carrier, bayonet frog and small pack. This modular construction made the equipment practical and adaptable for different roles and conditions.
The shoulder straps, or braces, were essential to the system. They helped distribute the weight of ammunition pouches, water bottle and other field equipment across the body. For British infantry, commandos, airborne troops, Royal Marines and Commonwealth soldiers, 1937 webbing became part of the unmistakable wartime silhouette. Not a flashy item, but a true workhorse of the field kit.
