POTD: Rare WWII Equipment Solution – Johnson LMG Backpack
Sam.S 11.19.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Johnson Light Machine Gun, used by U.S. Paramarines, Marine Raiders, and First Special Service Force during WWII, faced unique logistical challenges due to its 20-round single-stack magazines. Without official web gear designed for these magazines, troops relied on improvised solutions. One rare solution was a heavy canvas backpack with leather reinforcements, designed to carry 12 magazines (240 rounds total). While Johnson Automatics designed a leather version with similar capacity, it never entered production. The existing canvas versions may have been intended for the Dutch KNIL forces, who ordered Johnson weapons but lost most to Japanese occupation before deployment. The Johnson LMG proved popular with troops for its portability and firepower compared to the BAR. While lacking dedicated carrying equipment didn’t hinder its effectiveness – troops adapted using musette bags, gas mask bags, and general-purpose packs – it represents an interesting oversight in U.S. wartime logistics.
“Constructed from tan canvas with leather reinforcement at the bottom corners, this backpack was a companion piece for the scarce Johnson Light Machine Gun, configured to hold 12 magazines (240 rounds). The origin of the pack is unconfirmed, although it is believed to have been possibly made for the U.S. 1st Special Service Force, as it shows some slight signs of period use. No markings are present, with a pair of snap closures securing the top flap, canvas dividers to keep the magazines protected and vertically oriented, and a set of four straps to secure at the front and rear of a soldier’s web belt.”
Lot 1354: Magazine Carrier Backpack for the Johnson LMG – Very Scarce Magazine Carrier Backpack for the Johnson Light Machine Gun, with Twelve Magazines. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4092/1354/magazine-carrier-backpack-for-the-johnson-lmg.
