Horseshoe Roll

[ironbrigade6]

Why did the European fashion of having their blanket worn in what is sometimes called a "Horseshoe Roll" not seem to make it to the US except for on the French Imported Knapsacks? The style was used on the french packs, the Prussians used it as well as many other European Armies. When George McClellan travled to Europe in the 1850's to observe and report on the Armies aborad he reported with great enthusiasm on the Prussian Knapsack which carried the blanket in this style. So did soldiers, maybe immagrant volunteers, use this method? Has anyone who has ever used this style of roll found it to be more comfortable?

Thanks,

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Horseshoe Roll

Hallo!

I have never (yet) come across Period writings on the matter.

A WAG on my part, is that the American military had come out of the "British" tradition of the Rev War and post War years, and just stuck with it. :)

I have never tried the three sided roll or fold for ACW, except for WWI German. (It works well with their quick release blanket strap system).

An unrelated aside, the "Prussian" knapsacks initially used by Berdan's Sharpshooters appear in pictures with the men having their blankets and greatcoats on the one (top) side.

I almost want to say that "comfortable" and "knapsacks" should not really be used together. ;) :)

Curt

[erik]

Re: Horseshoe Roll

As to comfort and knapsacks together, true, unless you use a Short's patent knapsack. Using one of these makes your burden light and stable.
The imported French Chasseur equipment was designed to carry the blanket in this manner, but I have never seen any evidence of it except Gaede's book on the shelter tent. The drawings are of French Zouaves and not US.
Good point about tradition.

Erik Simundson