_Model 1912 Ration Bags
The Model 1912 Ration Bags were originally designed for cavalry but were used primarily by medics during World War 1. As a backpack, it was found that the Ration Bags were better suited for medics than the Model 1910 Haversack used by the infantry. The Haversack was too long and would interfere with the pouches on the rear of the Hospital Corps Medical Belt, whereas the shorter Ration Bags functioned as desired. This example is marked and dated R.I.A. (Rock Island Arsenal) 1917.
The Model 1912 Ration Bags were originally designed for cavalry but were used primarily by medics during World War 1. As a backpack, it was found that the Ration Bags were better suited for medics than the Model 1910 Haversack used by the infantry. The Haversack was too long and would interfere with the pouches on the rear of the Hospital Corps Medical Belt, whereas the shorter Ration Bags functioned as desired. This example is marked and dated R.I.A. (Rock Island Arsenal) 1917.