The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
626.2008.1
British Army WW2 Bergan
08/12/2008
Hermione Cooper
08/12/2008
British Army WW2 Bergan. Canvas with metal frame and canvas straps and metal buckles. Large pocket in front and two deep pockets at sides.
canvas, metal
46(l) x 42(w) x 17(d) cms.
1
Union Jack sewn onto front. Name and address handwritten on back.
khaki
A Norwegian,Ole F Bergan created his revolutionary rucksack in 1908/9. It was a huge success at home and over here in the UK, so much so that 100 years later mountaineers still refer to their rucksack as a Bergan even if it is made by somebody else.
The Black’s advert opposite laments the fact that Bergans were no longer available during World War Two because of Hitler’s invasion of Norway.
So, bereft of Rucksacks, the British army had to make their own. In fact, they got a company called M.E. Co. to make them. It was normal and sensible back then to find a company which specialised in the required field so we are guessing that M.E.Co. worked with canvas and leather and may well have been tent makers.
We would love to know more if anyone out there knows.
Anyway, looks like they made this sack on behalf of the military as it bears the military arrow ↑
In a curious little twist to the tale, we find No 6 (poss 8) SHELTER MACHINERY LORRY COVER stencilled on the inside on what seems to be recycled canvas…another enigma.
The previous owner seems to have been A Thornton from Daventry though Dougie Lockhead kindly passed it on to us … thanks to both.
Donated by Dougie Lockhead
08/12/2008
28/04/2009
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
27/07/2023
H Cooper