55 boys accessory question

[Kevin M.]

Had this question popped on me this morning from a friend, and my knowledge and google fu has failed me.

The canvas protection case of their 55 Boys A/T gun has an extra strap with a unique buckle only on one side of the case. Apparently many other owners have the exact same strap and no idea what it was for or what it's function was supposed to be.

I originally thought maybe it was to strap around the butt of the gun, but it doesn't seem long enough. Perhaps for storage or holding a toolkit or ammo bag with the gun?

Any thoughts or people in the know?

 

[Missing Something]

As there was an airborne version of the rifle made, I believe that its an attachment strap for airborne operations to attach it to other gear/drop line when parachuting.

 

[XRCD011]

As there was an airborne version of the rifle made, I believe that its an attachment strap for airborne operations to attach it to other gear/drop line when parachuting.

I cannot see them making it with a brass fitting (called a Mills standard fitting from Mills Equipment Co, MECo) but never know. I found this on line, man they made a cool little .22 sub cal for training. I also checked David Gordons , Weapons of the WWII tommy and outside of a picture it does not say what purpose the mystery strap serves.


http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Boys_Anti-Tank_Rifle.htm

This would be a good question to post at MLU.
And another page regarding the brass Keyway fitting. A local collector of items like this says it is common for 1940 Pattern mounted web but does not know how it is worn or incorporated in the soldiers web kit.

https://hatchfive.wordpress.com/2015/03/02/1940-pattern-key-way-straps/