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Original German Army (Heer) Afrikakorps Backpack, faintly dated 1941, captured by a British soldier named J.D. Wilkinson (Service No. 442261) during the North African campaign. This superb example remains complete, unaltered, and in strong field-used condition, retaining all original fittings, internal pockets, and straps.
The backpack is constructed from khaki-brown canvas, standard for Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) issue in desert conditions. It features twin front pockets, original webbing, and zinc/aluminium hardware, with all rear attachment rings and D-loops intact. The flap bears the clearly stencilled capture marking:
“J.D. Wilkinson – 442261”
which corresponds to a verified British Army service number issued to the Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) — one of the Eighth Army units that fought Rommel’s Afrika Korps in Libya and Egypt between 1941 and 1943.
The Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment) served under the British Eighth Army in North Africa, fighting from Gazala (1942) through El Alamein (1942) and Tunisia (1943). Wilkinson’s service number (442261) belongs to the Yorkshire Regiment block (4379001–4435000, per War Office records), identifying him as a member of this historic infantry unit.
Given the regiment’s direct engagements against Rommel’s Afrika Korps, this backpack was almost certainly taken during the Western Desert fighting of 1941–42, when capturing enemy field gear was common practice among advancing British troops.
The presence of Wilkinson’s name and number on the flap provides a rare traceable human link between the British and German armies in the North African campaign.
Very good field-used condition. Canvas remains structurally solid with minor fraying and wear consistent with desert service. Faint internal manufacturer/date stamp still visible. British ownership marking remains legible and authentic. No repairs or alterations.
ALL ITEMS ARE GUARANTEED ORIGINAL PERIOD PIECES.
Did a lot of comparing before buying and ended up here. Item turned up exactly as pictured, which honestly is all I ask for these days. Packaging was solid too. Would buy again.
You can tell this is someone who actually handles and studies the pieces. I respect that.
Not my first militaria purchase, but probably the first time I didn’t feel like I had to “decode” the listing. Straightforward, clear photos, realistic condition notes. That alone earns trust.
What I liked most was the way the history was presented. Factual and clearly written for collectors instead of glorifying anything. That matters to me.
Bought one piece initially just to test the waters. Ended up placing another order a week later. That should say enough.
Everything arrived on time and matched the listing. No drama, no excuses, no surprises. That’s increasingly uncommon with online militaria.
First time ordering from overseas and I was a bit hesitant. Communication was great, shipping was fast and the item arrived in the condition shown. Very good!
I collect mainly German pieces and I was pleasantly surprised by how accurate the description was. Nothing overstated, nothing hidden. Kind of rare now. Very happy with the purchase.
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this one felt deserved. Honest listing, fair price, no nonsense. The piece now sits proudly in my collection. Thanks Mr. Taylor
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