The folding mapcase was probably introduced early 1944; it was made from heavy lightbrown cotton, measuring 15 by 27 centimetres.
A brass hook was fitted at the top to fix the leather carrying strap. On one side four pencils could be inserted. It opened like a triptych; a flap on both front and back had to be opened as well as a tab on the front and a tab on the inside. Three pieces of celluloid protected the map. It was not an item issued exclusively to airborne personnel, but it was their favoured pattern because of its smaller size and weight.
Wartime manufacturers: Albert Gill, Leather Products, Bean&Co Ltd, G.S.&S.
Wartime variations: The leather sling either had a brass or a nickel buckle. A similar mapcase was designed for use in oriental theaters; it was made of green cotton and it had instructions printed on the inside to keep mosquito repellent off the celluloid.
Postwar modifications: Unknown.
Note for the collector: a similiar mapcase was used by officers in WWI, on these the carrying sling is attached by 2 leather tabs.