WWI method of carrying barb wire stakes

[blaster]

Hi All,

I saw this picture and am trying to figure out how the bundle of stakes were carried?

Rgds Victor

 

[megroot]

they where called pigtails.

Marc

 

[Dan Morton]

Marc is right - the curly stakes were called pigtails for obvious reasons. Vic - I think the guy carrying them has wrapped a canvas strap around them and then across his chest and back and is holding both ends of the strap behind his back. Maybe?

A couple of photos of British soldiers in carrying parties. The first shows them carrying wire and bundled pigtails. The second shows Signals soldiers carrying telephone wire (I think.).

All the best,
Dan

 

[valiant]

I think they were bundled together, tied at both ends and a loop of rope/canvas strap as a carrying handle

 

[chris1]

Very carefully.

 

[blaster]

Marc, Dan and Valiant,

Thanks for your inputs, all appreciated. Dan, your additional pics show the soldiers capable of carrying their kit as well. There doesn't seem to be a specific manner in carrying these items.

I am trying to model a figure based on the above.

Rgds Victor

 

[Dan Morton]

I came up with few photos from a web search. Not a particularly photogenic subject, I guess. I'll make another web stumble this morning and see if I can come up with more.

Probably an obvious point, but I think what kit the soldier would have during a carrying party would have a lot to do with where the loads were being taken. If they are going into the lines with the burden, certainly their rifle, canteen, light pack, satchel and related stuff. If they were moving the burden in the communication zone or rear areas, less likely to carry weapons and personal equipment. Barbed wire and stakes wouldn't have much use in most of the rear areas; communication cable much more so.

All the best,
Dan

 

[Dan Morton]

A couple more...

All the best,
Dan

 

[blaster]

Hi Dan,

I scoured the web too but missed these two pics. Here's another one.
These pics show that up to three pigtails could be reasonably handled over one shoulder.
I think I will model my figure to carry other items besides the "pigtails" as well.

Rgds Victor