Lawrance Ordnance

802 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
T | 61 2 9212 5673 F | 61 2 9212 6391
E | lawranceordnance@bigpond.com
LFD 404021238

Lawrance Ordnance Pty Ltd

British WW2 Pattern 1908 Entrenching Tool

Please select the thumbnails below to view a larger image.

British WW2 Pattern 1908 Entrenching Tool British WW2 Pattern 1908 Entrenching Tool

Introduced in 1908 the 1908 pattern entrenching tool was based upon the 'Sirhand' tool used by the Indian Army. Made in two pieces, the head and the helve, the helve is inserted through an 'eye' in the head to form the tool. Although in 1923 the entrenching tool was declared obsolete it was introduced again in 1941 and would continue to be used throughout the Second World War and after.

The head was made of cast steel having a pointed spade blade on one end and a pick on the other. In 1911, the shape of the head was changed slightly and the 'eye' through which the helve passed decreased in depth.

The helves were made of ash or hickory, about 16 1/2 inches in length with a steel ferrule at one end. In the latter years of the Second World War an attachment was added to allow the spike bayonet of the No.4 rifle to be attached allowing the helve to be used as a mine probe.

These examples were made in Britain during the Second World War by various manufacturers (mainly Brades and Perks). The heads are in excellent condition. The helves have been used.


Return to List