Gallery: All the Stuff Soldiers Have Carried in Battle, From the 11th Century to Today
Thom Atkinson01Huscarl, Battle of Hastings, 1066
A recent project from Thom Atkinson's documented the kits british soldiers took into battle throughout the ages. This collection is from the Battle of Hastings in 1066. You notice how few objects soldiers had compared to now--that's because of weight.
Thom Atkinson02Mounted Knight, Siege of Jerusalem, 1244
Here are the basics for a mounted knight during the siege of Jerusalem in 1244. Among them, a shield, crescent axe and glaive, a broken sword that was welded to a piece of wood--it was considered a new form of weaponry at the time.
Thom Atkinson03Fighting Archer, Battle of Agincourt, 1415
Atkinson found many of the items from the reenactment community. Pictured here are the items a solider from Battle of Agincourt in 1415 would carry. You'll notice that there's a helmet and a spoon in nearly all of the photos.
Thom Atkinson04Yorkist Man at Arms, Battle of Bosworth, 1485
A man at arms in the Battle of Bosworth (1485) would use a poleax, an axe-like weapon that's mounted to a pole. The goal was to break through the barrier of armor used in medieval battle. There are also more standard goods like daggers.
Thom Atkinson05Trained Band Caliverman, Tilbury, 1588
This kit, from 1588, is the first in the series with a gun. Along with it comes the accessories: lead balls, a ramrod and a fire-lighting kit. Oh, and there's also some playing cards in there.
Thom Atkinson06Private Sentinel, Battle of Malplaquet, 1709
Atkinson says the bold colors are meant to prevent soldiers from shooting one of their own. Note the decreased size of blades.
Thom Atkinson07Private Soldier, Battle of Waterloo, 1815
The kit for the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 included a fife, a flute-like instrument that was played at the head of the company. It was used alongside drums to stave off boredom but also for calls for many parts of a soldier's day. The kit also includes a pocket watch, wool socks and a brass compass.
Thom Atkinson08Private Soldier, Rifle Brigade, Battle of the Alma, 1854
During the 1854 Battle of Alma, a soldier in the rifle brigade would carry little weaponry other than said rifle. There's also a pipe, a candle and some matches.
Thom Atkinson09Private Soldier, Battle of the Somme, 1916
As weapons became more accurate, the need for camouflage increased. Note the earth tones from the 1916 Battle of the Somme.
Thom Atkinson10Lance Corporal, Parachute Brigade, Battle of Arnhem, 1944
A lance corporal in the parachute brigade (WWII) would carry grenades, and anti-gas masks. For food they'd have a ration kit consisting of a tin of corn beef, boiled sweets and a big chunk of chocolate.
Thom Atkinson11Royal Marine Commando, Falklands Conflict, 1982
During the 1982 Falklands conflict, soldiers began carrying decontamination kits as well as black nuclear biological chemical (NBC) protective over boots to protect from chemicals. Soldiers also carried sand bags to fill with dirt for fortification and dog tags.
