RAF 2759 - Vintage Military Water Bottles

Serial Number: RAF2723

Status: Display

Description:
These objects are vintage military water bottles, commonly known as India Pattern canteens, used by British and Commonwealth forces during World War I and World War II. They feature a distinctive kidney-shaped body, typically made of aluminum or enamelled metal, and were protected by a thick felt cover designed to be soaked in water to help keep the contents cool through evaporative cooling. Each canteen originally had a narrow metal neck fitted with a cork or metal stopper, often secured with a chain or cord to prevent loss. These items are historically significant military field equipment, widely issued to soldiers in the British Indian Army and other Commonwealth units.