Other rank's infantry knapsack, 1840 (c)

The 'box' style knapsack originated in the early 19th century and, by the beginning of the Crimean War (1854-1856) it had been developed to have a four-sided frame. Intended to hold clothing and boots, cleaning equipment and personal items, it was worn on the back and held in place by buff leather straps. Upon landing in the Crimea, soldiers' knapsacks were ordered to be left on board ship: Lord Raglan believed that his troops, debilitated by disease, were incapable of carrying 'full marching order'. Instead, rolled blankets were used - ineffectively - to carry the soldiers' kit until the knapsacks could be brought ashore. This did not happen until November.

There were many complaints about the ill-fitting knapsack. Major-General James Estcourt, Adjutant-General of the Army of the East, was among its critics: 'The knapsack is not good. In order to keep it high and small people have made it wide. I believe it would be better deeper down the back and narrower.'