The kit bag was designed in 1943 by several members from the XXI Independent Parachute Company, its official name was the bag, kit, special. It allowed men to take their individual weapons and equipment with them which was more reliable than having it dropped by means of containers: these could get stuck in trees or land too far away from the soldier.
It consisted of a large canvass bag that rested on the soldiers' foot and it was secured to the lower leg with 2 quick release buckles. After jumping the bag was lowered from a 20ft cord connected to the quick release buckles and attached to the parachute harness. The thickly padded bottom of the bag protected the contents from damage at the landing. The kit bags were also issued to US airborne troops for the D-Day operations.

Wartime manufacturers:MECo.
Wartime variations: On the first pattern leg bag the leg straps were made of leather. Australian made examples are made of a darker shade of canvass. Early examples feature a spliced loop to attach the 20ft cord to the harnass, on later examples this was replaced by a webbing sleeve on a metal swivel.
Postwar modifications: Information to follow.