'A' Frame, or 'Chige', Korea, 1951 (c)

Literally translated as a 'back-carrier', these simple wooden carrying frames were originally used by farmers and workers to carry heavy loads, but were soon adopted by United Nations troops. Known to Americans as an 'A-frame' and to the British as a 'jiggy', they were held by two ropes around the shoulders and armpits, and were designed to hang the weight of the load on the shoulders while the centre of gravity was lower on the back. This design allowed the bearer to carry a heavy load while walking, even on a steep gradient.