wicker basket dropped at Arnhem

Discussion in 'WW2 Militaria' started by Philip Reinders, Apr 23, 2012.

  1. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

    Had a article in the local newspaper last week about the Horsa publication.

    Received a phonecall this morning, someone elder couple had read it, and wonder if I would be interested in something they had since 1945, they didn't know what to do with it, and if I wanted I could pick it up this week

    I had my doubt, but still decide to pick it up, altough it is many years old rubbish::D

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. BarbaraWT

    BarbaraWT Member

    I think it's a treasure!
    Barbara
     
  3. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

    It is "only" the inner basket but never theless very happy, many years ago we found one in the cellar of a house at the Rozenpad in oosterbeek, but not much was left due to woodworm, this looks in very good shape
     
  4. Ramon

    Ramon Senior Member

    Nice!!!!!! :)
     
  5. chrisgrove

    chrisgrove Senior Member

    I believe the official designation of these baskets was 'Panniers Airborne'. They remained in use well after the war.

    Chris
     
  6. Cee

    Cee Senior Member Patron

    My curiosity aroused I went looking for the origins of the airborne pannier and information on basketmaking during WW 2.

    As far as I can see the development of the airborne basket can be attributed to the experiments carried out by 250 Divisional Airborne Light Composite Coy RASC under command of Major M St. John Packe in 1942 - 43.

    The OC in this period, Major M St John Packe considered the use of a wicker laundry Pannier, and thus came into being the Wicker Airborne Pannier. On 8 February 1943, their efforts came to fruition when a demonstration took place before a most distinguished audience.

    A couple of interesting links on the willow growing and basketmaking industry in Somerset during WW 2.

    WW 2 Basketmaking in Somerset - BBC

    Somerset Willow Guide - PDF
     
  7. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

  8. idler

    idler GeneralList

    Has there been - or could there be - a book on the containers and panniers? There were some fairly detailed drawings of , I think, two of the containers in a weapons and equipment of the SOE type book, but that's the most detail I've seen.
     
  9. Paul Pariso

    Paul Pariso Very Senior Member

    You lucky boy! Looks very nice............ :)
     
  10. At Home Dad (Returning)

    At Home Dad (Returning) Well-Known Member

    what were they used to hold?
     
  11. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

    Ammuntion,food,medical supply,blankets,all kind of stuff
     
  12. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

    Has there been - or could there be - a book on the containers and panniers? There were some fairly detailed drawings of , I think, two of the containers in a weapons and equipment of the SOE type book, but that's the most detail I've seen.

    Maybe you have seen them in the RAF manual book?
     
  13. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

    :m12:You lucky boy! Looks very nice............ :)


    I presume you will come over for a pannekoek now in September:exactly:
     
  14. Cee

    Cee Senior Member Patron

    Regarding the 250 Airborne Company I prefer this site:

    history of 250 royal army service corps during Market Garden

    Which also hold some nice pannier photographs :)

    And I can see why you would prefer that great site ... :lol: The next question is when were the panniers first employed operationally?

    Thanks Philip!
     
  15. Paul Pariso

    Paul Pariso Very Senior Member

    :m12:


    I presume you will come over for a pannekoek now in September:exactly:

    No, but I might join you for a pancake!! :lol:
     
  16. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

    Your welcome :)
     
  17. chrisgrove

    chrisgrove Senior Member

    Has there been - or could there be - a book on the containers and panniers? There were some fairly detailed drawings of , I think, two of the containers in a weapons and equipment of the SOE type book, but that's the most detail I've seen.

    ...is the title of a book by Col John Weeks. It covers everything from webbing up to aircraft, and covers all nations too, so cover is pretty sketchy, but it has a chapter on containers and a few photos. The CLE is covered (pic of a late, square, one) as is the airborne pannier (no pic). Published by David & Charles of Newton Abbott in 1976. ISBN 0 7153 7117 7.

    Chris:)
     
  18. Tanja van Zon-Anderson

    Tanja van Zon-Anderson Senior Member

    Hallo Philip,

    You said this basket was used for ammunition, food and other things. Was it dropped by parachute. Who did uses this. What is the history of this kind of basket?
    Do you have a photo of how it was used.

    Greetings
    Tanja
     
  19. wtid45

    wtid45 Very Senior Member

  20. Tab

    Tab Senior Member

    Send a photo to ParaData they may have the answer for you
     

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