WW2 Medical Tentage

A number of Tents, called General-Purpose Tents, were specifically intended for use by the Medical Department with the purpose of protecting and sheltering wounded and/or injured personnel and medical installations.

Drawing of Tent, Fire-Resistant, Hospital Ward, Stock No. 24-T-319-5 (1) Spindle (2) Hood (3) Guy Line (4) Hood Line (5) Eave Line (6) Door (7) Door Fastener Line (8) 24-Inch Pin (9) Foot Stop Line (10) Upright Pole (11) Wall Line (12) Wall End (13) Side Wall (14) Upright Pole

TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, HOSPITAL WARD, OLIVE-DRAB, 6-FOOT, 2-INCH DOOR, Stock No. 24-T-319-5:

This tent is used as a Section of a Field Hospital. It is standard equipment for Clearing Companies, Surgical Hospitals, Evacuation Hospitals, Convalescent Hospitals and certain Veterinary installations.
The Hospital Ward has a capacity for TWENTY canvas cots or TWENTY-FIVE litters. It also replaces an earlier model (with cut-back doors) which is to be issued until supplies are exhausted. The tent is 16 feet wide, 50 feet long, and 12 feet high. Floor space is 800 square feet  It is hip-roofed, has square ends and is rectangular in shape. Ridge height is 11 feet, wall height is 4 feet 6 inches, giving a 6-foot 6-inch pitch. The Tent, FR, Hospital Ward has two 6-foot 2-inch vertical doors located in the centre of each end section, and is provided with a Fly for issue in Theaters of Operations. This Fly measures 26 feet ½ inch by 53 feet 11 ½ inches. The Ward Tent is ventilated through round holes at the top of the centre poles, through the stovepipe openings (when stoves are not used), and through the doors at either end of the tent.
Three M-1941 Tent Stoves are provided for use with this tent, and related stovepipe openings are built on one side of the ridge line with protecting canvas flaps.
The Officer or NCO in charge will select a suitable ground and designate the direction in which the Hospital Ward Tent is to face. He will then place a marker for the right front corner pin.
The Tent is pitched by a detail of 8 men in approximately 90 minutes.

Illustration showing label on a Tent, Hospital Ward. This particular tent was manufactured by Knoxville Awning, Tent & Tarpaulin Co., Inc.

Hospital Ward elements:

4 X Hoods, Tent, Hospital Ward – Stock No. 24-H-63
8 X Lines, Tent, 50-Feet, Sewed-2-Ends, Cut-Splice-In-Center, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Guy Line) – Stock No. 24-L-610
12 X Lines, Tent, 15-Feet, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Hood Line) – Stock No. 24-L-575
40 X Lines, Tent, 10-Feet, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-540
22 X Lines, Tent, 2-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Door Fastener) – Stock No. 24-L-470
68 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
56 X Lines, Tent, Foot Stop, ¼-Inch Diameter (Foot Stop) – Stock No. 24-L-448
4 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 4-Feet 9-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-235
4 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 6-Feet 2-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-242-75
4 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 12-Feet 3-Inch, Complete, Jointed – Stock No. 24-P-266
56 X Pins, Tent, 16-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-49
4 X Chains and Plates, Tent, Hospital Ward & Pyramidal – Stock No. 24-C-570
16 X Hooks, Tent, End, Hospital & Pyramidal, ¼-Inch – Stock No. 24-H-165
16 X Hooks, Tent, S, Style 1, Tent, Hospital & Pyramidal – Stock No. 24-H-172
4 X Rings, Tent, Galvanized, Hospital Ward, 10-Inch – Stock No. 24-R-80
68 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock No. 24-S-1070
4 X Lines, Tent, 3-Feet 4-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Door Flap Line) – Stock No. 24-L-479-50
4 X Lines, Tent, 6-Feet, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Lacing Line) – Stock No. 24-L-500
12 X Lines, Tent, 14-Feet, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Corner Line) – Stock No. 24-L-565

View of Fly, Fire-Resistant, Tent, Hospital Ward, Stock No. 24-F-110 (1) Fly (2) Eave Line (3) Corner Line (4) 24-Inch Pin (5) Upright Pole (6) Wire Slip

FLY, FIRE-RESISTANT, TENT, HOSPITAL, HOSPITAL WARD, OLIVE-DRAB, Stock No. 24-F-110:

The corresponding Fly used for above Hospital Wards was also issued in the Theaters of Operations (but not in the continental United States, except when housing patients). The Fly itself measures 26 feet ½ inch by 53 feet 11 ½ inches. It is mainly used for enhanced protection of the Hospital Ward Tent.

Illustration showing label on a Fly, Tent, Hospital Ward. This particular item was manufactured by Norfolk Tent & Awning Supply Co., Inc.

Fly elements (when used individually):

12 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 5-Feet 5-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-240
4 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 7-Feet – Stock No. 24-P-245
56 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
44 X Lines, Tent, 10-Feet, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-540
12 X Lines, Tent, 14-Feet, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Corner Line) – Stock No. 24-L-565
56 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock No. 24-S-1070

View of Tent, Fire-Resistant, Surgical Truck, Stock No. 24-T-321-40 (1) Opening Cover (2) Hood (3) Ridge Tie Line (4) Awning (5) Awning Tie Line (6) Retaining Strap (7) Upright Pole (8) Blackout Curtain (9) Blackout Curtain (10) Eave Line (11) 24-Inch Pin (12) Foot Stop Line

TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, SURGICAL TRUCK, OLIVE-DRAB, Stock No. 24-T-321-40:

This tent unit is designed to fit over the body of a Surgical Truck. It is used as an Emergency Operating Centre in forward combat areas.
The tent is 22 feet wide, 26 feet long, 10 feet high, and has a floor space of 481 square feet. There is no Ridge Pole, since the truck itself supports the top of the tent, but there are extra upright poles, eave lines and pins. The centre front section is attached by means of web straps to metal buckles on the front end of the truck, while extra guy lines are run from the ridge to metal hooks on the outside of the truck’s headlamps for added security. The Tent has only one door, 5 feet 7 ½ inches high and 4 feet 8 inches wide, located in the rear centre, opposite the front of the truck. There are three blackout curtains.
It takes a detail of 4 men 30 minutes to erect this Tent.

Surgical Tent elements:

10 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 5-Feet 8-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-241
12 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
22 X Pins, Tent, 16-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-49
2 X Lines, Tent, 20-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-1-End, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Ridge Tie Line) – Stock No. 24-L-581-45
4 X Lines, Tent, 14-Feet, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Awning Tie Line) – Stock No. 24-L-564-40
12 X Lines, Tent, 11-Feet 6-Inch, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-550-30
1 X Line, Tent, 10-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Front Blackout Flap Tie) – Stock No. 24-L-543-45
2 X Lines, Tent, 9-Feet, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Upper Front & Rear Blackout Curtain Tie Lines) – Stock No. 24-L-529
4 X Lines, Tent, 7-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Lacing Line) – Stock No. 24-L-513
22 X Lines, Tent, Foot Stop, ¼-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-448
12 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock No. 24-S-1070

View of Tent, Fire-Resistant, Surgical, Operating, Stock No. 24-T-321-35 (6) Foot Stop Line (27) 3 Centre Sections (28) Female End Section (29) Male End Section (32) Tent

TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, SURGICAL, OPERATING, OLIVE-DRAB, HEAVY, Stock No. 24-T-321-35

This tent consists of 5 Sections. Its length is 50 feet, width is 18 feet, while height is 11 feet 1 ¼ inch. The 5 different Sections consist of one end Section, another end Section, and 3 middle Sections, of equal dimensions, which can be subdivided in separate operating rooms, if necessary. This Tent version became limited standard, (i.e. to be issued until exhausted) and was subsequently replaced by the following version.

View of Tent, Sectional, Hospital, Stock No. 24-T-323-560 (1) Foot Stop Line (2) Wall Tie Line (3) Door Flap Line (4) Liner Hoisting Line (5) Tie Line (6) Liner Hoisting line (7) Jumper Line (8) Jumper Line (9) Eave Line (12) Eave Line (20-21) Retainers, Sashes (23) Wire Slip (24) End Section Number 1 (25) End Section Number 2 (26) Middle Sections (27) Tent (28) Vestibule (29) Window

TENT, SECTIONAL, HOSPITAL, Stock No. 24-T-323-560

Overall length is 54 feet, width 18 feet, and height 12 feet.

Sectional Hospital Tent elements:

4 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 12-Feet 3-Inch, Complete, Jointed – Stock No. 24-P-266
4 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 8-Feet 3-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-249
22 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 6-Feet 2-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-242-75
46 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
76 X Pins, Tent, 16-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-49
2 X Sash, Ventilator, Tent, Sectional, End Sections, Numbers-1-and-2, Fire-and-Mildew-Resistant – Stock No. 24-S-562
3 X Sash, Ventilator, Tent, Sectional, Middle Sections, Fire-and-Mildew-Resistant – Stock No. 24-S-564
2 X Screening, Tent, Sectional, End Sections, Numbers-1-and-2, Left, Mildew-Resistant-Treated – Stock No. 24-S-830
2 X Screening, Tent, Sectional, End Sections, Numbers-1-and-2, Right, Mildew-Resistant-Treated – Stock No. 24-S-835
6 X Screening, Tent, Sectional, Middle Section, Mildew-Resistant-Treated – Stock No. 24-S-840
1 X Tent, Fire-and-Mildew-Resistant, Sectional, End Section, Number 1 – Stock No. 24-T-323-520
1 X Tent, Fire-and-Mildew-Resistant, Sectional, End Section, Number 2 – Stock No. 24-T-323-525
3 X Tent, Fire-and-Mildew-Resistant, Sectional, Middle Section - Stock No. 24-T-323-535
2 X Vestibule, Tent, Sectional, Fire-and-Mildew-Resistant – Stock No. 24-V-8525
16 X Window, Tent, Sectional – Stock No. 24-W-9000
2 X Liner, Tent, Sectional, End Section, Mildew-Resistant-Treated – Stock No. 24-L-800
3 X Liner, Tent, Sectional, Middle Section, Mildew-Resistant-Treated – Stock No. 24-L-815
46 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock No. 24-S-1070
6 X Lines, Tent, 30-Feet, Unfinished-2-Ends, 1/8-Inch Diameter (Ventilator Draw Line) – Stock No. 24-L-585-200
8 X Lines, Tent, 19-Feet, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-581-30
8 X Lines, Tent, 14-Feet, Unfinished-2-Ends, 1/8-Inch Diameter (Liner Hoisting Line) – Stock No. 24-L-564-25
4 X Lines, Tent, 13-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Ventilator Flap Line) – Stock No. 24-L-562-50
38 X Lines, Tent, 11-Feet 6-Inch, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-550-25
4 X Lines, Tent, 10-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Jumper Line) – Stock No. 24-L-543-45
22 X Lines, Tent, 6-Feet, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Jumper Line) – Stock No. 24-L-499
4 X Lines, Tent, 6-Feet, Unfinished-2-Ends, 1/8-Inch Diameter (Liner Hoisting Line) – Stock No. 24-L-500-900
8 X Lines, Tent, 4-Feet, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Tie Line) – Stock No. 24-L-482-75
26 X Lines, Tent, 4-Feet, Unfinished-2-Ends, 1/8-Inch Diameter (Liner Hoisting Line) – Stock No. 24-L-486
8 X Lines, Tent, 3-Feet 4-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Door Flap line) – Stock No. 24-L-479-50
28 X Lines, Tent, 2-Feet, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Wall Tie Line) – Stock No. 24-L-459
134 X Lines, Tent, Foot Stop, ¼-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-448

Remark: it is to be noted that Khaki and Class B Non-Fire-Resistant Tentage is to be issued in the Continental United States only, until exhausted!

In usage with above-described Tents are essential elements, such as:

View of Stove, Tent, M-1941, Complete, Stock No. 65-N-2500 (1) Stove Base (2) Stove Pipe Damper (3) Draw Grate (4) Round Grate (5) Cotter Pin (6) Straight Pipe (7) Poker (8) Adapter Ring (9) Shaker (10) Shovel (11) Stove Lid Top

STOVE, TENT, M-1941, COMPLETE, Stock No. 65-N-2500

Stoves with a range of accessories  were available, and could be used in the following Tent assemblies: Hospital Ward (3 x Stoves) – Pyramidal (1 x Stove) – Squad (2 x Stoves) – Small Wall ( 1 x Stove) – Storage (1 x Stove) – Large Wall (1 x Stove) – Assembly (4 x Stoves) –  and Command Post (1 or 2 x Stoves). These types of Stoves can be operated with wood, coal, or with an oil burner.

Tent Stove elements:

1 X Base, Stove, Tent, M-1941 – Stock No. 65-N-1300
1 X Damper, Stove Pipe, 4-Inch – Stock No. 65-N-1500
1 X Grate, Stove, Tent, M-1941, Draw – Stock No. 65-N-1700
1 X Grate, Stove, Tent, M-1941, Round – Stock No. 65-N-1705
1 X Pin, Cotter, Stove, Tent, M-1941 – Stock No. 65-N-1860
6 X Pipes, Stove, Tent, Joints or Sections, Straight, 4-Inch – Stock No. 65-N-2000
1 X Poker, Stove, Tent, M-1941, 24-Inch – Stock No. 65-N-2050
1 X Ring, Adapter, Stove, Tent, M-1941 – Stock No. 65-N-2100
1 X Shaker, Stove, Tent, M-1941 – Stock No. 65-N-2200
1 X Shovel, Stove, Tent, M-1941 – Stock No. 65-N-2400
1 X Top, Stove, Tent, M-1941, with Lid – Stock No. 65-N-2600
1/4 X Arrestors, Spark, Tent, M-1941 – Stock No. 65-N-1200
1 X Hood, Stovepipe, Tent, Ceramic Coated-Metal – Stock No. 65-N-1795
2/8 X Pipes, Stove, Tent, Elbow, 4-Inch – Stock No. 65-N-1900
2/3 X Shields, Tent, Ceramic or Vitrous-Coated, with Elliptical Hole – Stock No. 65-N-2295
1/4 X Shields, Tent, Ceramic or Vitrous-Coated, with Round Hole – Stock No. 65-N-2297

Note: allowances of certain accessories depend on the type of Tentage used.

Other heating elements were Burner, Oil, Stove, M-1941, Stock No. 65-N-1375, which operated on basis of a 5-gallon gasoline can or a 55-gallon drum, with burner unit, adapter, hoses, and floating valve, used for heating miscellaneous Tentage; and Heater, Tent, Gasoline, Stock No. 65-H-1708, a self-contained, self-powered heating unit with sufficient capacity to heat a TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, MAINTENANCE, SHELTER …

Despite all preliminary treatments to make tentage resistant to fire, water, weather, and mildew, the life of Tents can be greatly extended by the use of suitable re-treating compounds.
Such products are: Compound, Coloring, Type 1, Color C Green, Stock No. 51-C-1598 or Compound Re-Treating, Water, Weather, and Mildew Resistant for Cotton, Duck, and Webbing, Stock No. 51-C-1608 (inflammable solvents).

Repair of tents can be carried out as follows; by Cement Patching (for minor repairs in the field), by Hand Sewing (in the field), and by Patching or Reconstruction (in shops with sewing machines and grommet-setting dies).

For Repair of Tents, webbing, blankets and other fabrics, a number of Sewing machines were available:
Machine, Sewing, Motor-Operated, Complete, Medium Heavy Duty, 61-W-156, Single Phase, Stock No. 66-M-975, intended for stitching light and medium weight fabrics. Machine, Sewing, Motor-Operated, Complete, Medium Heavy Duty, 111-W-153, Single Phase, Stock No. 66-M-978, used for stitching light tentage and webbing. Machine, Sewing, Motor-Operated, Complete, Medium Heavy Duty, UN-S M-61-300, Single Phase, Stock No. 66-M-979, for trimming and overedging blankets and other similar fabrics. Machine, Sewing, Motor-Operated, Complete, Overedge, Merrow, 3AW, Single Phase, Stock No. 66-M-981, also used for trimming and overedging blankets and other fabrics. Machine, Sewing, Motor-Operated, Complete, Overedge, Singer 81-23, Single Phase, Stock No. 66-M-981-80, for trimming and overedging blankets and miscellaneous fabrics. Machine, Sewing, Motor-Operated, Complete, Overedge, Singer 81-72, Single Phase, Stock No. 66-M-982, used for trimming and overedging fabrics in general.

Ground Cloths are not generally issued for use with Army Tentage. Because the ground is soon trodden down hard, so that it is easy to sweep and keep clean (if dry, of course), it is more sanitary as a floor than ground cloths which get filthy and hard to keep clean.
Any Tent however may have a wooden floor, and floors are used most frequently with Wall and Pyramidal Tents pitched at semi-permanent camps. The floor should be the exact size of the Tent. Hospital Tents were usually provided with concrete floors for more protection and stability.

More Tents:

Since Small Wall Tents, Command Posts and Pyramidal Tents are often illustrated in period photographs depicting medical installations, we have included these 3 types of Tents in our Article. Squad Tents have also been added since they sometimes functioned as temporary Hospital Wards.

Drawing of Tent, Fire-Resistant, Wall, Small, Stock No. 24-T-323 (1) Spindle (2) Door Fastener Line (3) Stove Pipe Opening (4) Door Wall Line (5) Eave Line (6) Foot Stop Line (7) Wall Line (8) 24-Inch Pin

TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, WALL, SMALL, OLIVE-DRAB, Stock No. 24-T-323

Introduced in 1941. Used for shelter of TWO Officers, when in the field and not in combat. When necessary, this tent may also be used as a small storage tent  The tent is 8 feet x 10 inches wide, 9 feet 2 inches long, and 8 feet 6 inches high. The floor covers approximately 80 square feet. The tent is an A-type, square-ended tent, rectangular in shape. All elements, such as top, side walls and reinforcements are made of 12.29 ounce duck while the sod cloth is made of 9.85 ounce duck. The ridge height is 8 feet 6 inches, while the wall height is 3 feet 9 inches, giving a pitch of 4 feet 9 inches. Each end section has an overlapping slit forming a door, while stovepipe openings are provided at either end of the tent. Ventilation is done by rolling up the side walls, and opening slits. When not in use, stovepipe openings may be used as ventilators. Normal use of this wall tent is for ONE General Officer, ONE Field Officer, ONE Captain, TWO Lieutenants or TWO Warrant Officers.

Photograph showing the label of a Tent, Wall, Small. This example has been made by Tulsa Canvas Products Co., and is dated 18 June 1942.

Small Wall Tent elements:

18 X Lines, Tent, 2-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Door Fastener) – Stock No. 24-L-470
2 X Lines, Tent, 2-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Door Wall Line) – Stock No. 24-L-470
10 X Lines, Tent, 8-Feet, w/Eye, ¼-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-515
18 X Lines, Tent, Foot Stop, ¼-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-448
10 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
18 X Pins, Tent, 16-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-49
4 X Lines, Tent, 4-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Lacing Line) – Stock No. 24-L-490
10 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock No. 24-S-1070
2 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 9-Feet – Stock No. 24-P-253
1 X Pole, Tent, Ridge, 9-Feet, Wall, Small – Stock No. 24-P-112
2 X Lines, Tent, 3-Feet 4-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Door Flap Line) – Stock No. 24-L-479-50

FLY, TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, WALL, SMALL, OLIVE-DRAB, Stock No. 24-F-150

Element introduced in 1941. Tents, FR, Wall, Small, are normally provided with a fly which is an auxiliary canvas roof used with a tent to shed rain and to make the tent cooler, while providing space between fly and ridge for proper air circulation.  The fly may also be erected as a completely separate unit for use as a protection for supplies, equipment, or for cooking purposes – flies were no longer in use after August 1944!

Fly elements(when used individually):

10 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
1 X Pole, Tent, Ridge, 9-Feet, Wall, Small – Stock No. 24-P-114
2 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 9-Feet – Stock No. 24-P-253
10 X Lines, Tent, 8-Feet, w/Eye, ¼-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-515
10 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock No. 24-S-1070

Drawing of Tent, Fire-Resistant, Pyramidal, M-1934, Stock No. 24-T-320 (1) Spindle (2) Hood (3) Hood Line (4) Lacing Line (5) Upright Pole (6) Eave Line (7) 24-Inch Pin (8) Foot Stop Line (9) Door Flap (10) Lug (11) Door Fastener Line (12) Door Flap Line

TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, PYRAMIDAL, M-1934, OLIVE DRAB, Stock No. 24-T-320

Photograph showing the tag of an M-1934 Pyramidal Tent. This example is dated 25 November 1942.

Introduced in 1934 for quartering of personnel. The maximum capacity of the tent is EIGHT men (current Infantry Squad strength, at earlier period) when the tent stove is not used. For reasons of greater comfort and sanitation, use of this tent is limited to SIX men when the supply of tentage permits! When the tent stove is used, maximum capacity is only SIX men. Because of its distinctive shape, the Pyramidal Tent is easily observed from the air; for this reason more than usual care should be taken to camouflage it properly. It is a limited standard item which was to be replaced by the M-1942 Squad tent … The tent is 16 feet wide, 16 feet long and 11 feet high.  Floor space is 256 square feet. Tent top, side walls and all reinforcements are made of identical olive-drab duck. Peak height is 12 feet 3 inches, while wall height is 4 feet 2 inches, giving a pitch of 8 feet 1 inch. There is 1 door, 28 inches wide, and 8 feet high. Ventilation is via the centre pole which has an adjustable hood. One M-1941 stove tent is used for heating, the stovepipe is put through the centre tent opening.

Photograph showing the tag of an M-1934 Pyramidal Tent. This example has been produced by Poster Products Inc. for the United States Navy, indicated by its designation and Stock Number. Courtesy of MRC Forum member WC-54.

Pyramidal Tent elements:

1 X Hood, Tent, Olive-Drab, Pyramidal, M-1934 – Stock No. 24-H-66
6 X Lines, Tent, 13-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Hood Line) – Stock No. 24-L-562-50
4 X Lines, Tent, 6-Feet, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Lacing Line) – Stock No. 24-L-500
4 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 4-Feet 9-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-235
24 X Lines, Tent, 10-Feet, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-540
28 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
28 X Lines, Tent, Foot Stop, ¼-Inch Diameter (Foot Stop) – Stock No. 24-L-448
6 X Lines, Tent, 2-Feet 6-Inch, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Door Fastener) – Stock No. 24-L-470
10 X Lines, Tent, 3-Feet 4-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼-Inch Diameter (Door Fastener) – Stock No. 24-L-480
2 X Lines, Tent, 3-Feet 4-Inch, Sewed-1-End, ¼”-Inch Diameter (Door Flap Line) – Stock No. 24-L-479-50
4 Lines, Tent, 14-Feet, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Corner Line) – Stock No. 24-L-565
1 X Pole, Tent, Upright, 12-Feet 3-Inch, Complete, Jointed – Stock No. 24-P-266
28 X Pins, Tent, 16-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-49
1 X Chain and Plate, Tent, Pyramidal, M-1934, 16 ½-Inch X 17-Inch – Stock No. 24-C-573
4 X Hooks, Tent End, Pyramidal, M-1934, 5/16-Inch – Stock No. 24-H-167
4 X Hooks, Tent, S, Pyramidal, M-1934, 5/16-Inch – Stock No. 24-H-174
28 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock No. 24-S-1070 

Drawing of Tent, Fire-Resistant, Command Post, M-1942, Olive Drab, Stock No. 24-T-318-33 (1) Spindle (2) Ventilator Ridge (3) Communication Pocket Flap (4) Window Sash (5) Upright Pole (6) Upright Pole (7) Side Ventilator Duct (8) Pin (9) Foot Stop Line (10) Entry (11) Eave Line (12) Extension Cloth (13) Door Fastener (14) Upright Pole

TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, COMMAND POST, M-1942, OLIVE DRAB, Stock No. 24-T-318-33

An alternative style of label found on the M-1942 Command Post Tent, this example having been made by Joys Brothers Company, and dated 20 March 1944.

Introduced in 1942, this tent was used in Theaters of Operations to provide Office shelter for Staff Sections of the several Command echelons . The Command Post tent is constructed in such a way that it may be completely blacked out, it may thus be safely used in a combat area without fear of observation. When necessary, this tent may be used for quartering of TWO Officers. The CP Tent will eventually take the place of the Small Wall Tent.  It is 7 feet wide, 11 feet 10 ½ inches long, and 7 feet high. Floor space is 84 square feet. It has an entry 26 inches wide; top and side walls are made of 12.29 ounce duck, while the sod cloth is made of 9.85 ounce duck. There is an extension cloth at the rear end wall which makes it possible to COMBINE 2 Command Post Tents when a larger Office space is desired. The tent has a flat top with just sufficient pitch to shed water. 2 overlapping doors are provided at each end and 4 18-inch square windows made of flexible glass material, have covering flaps (ties & snap fasteners) which can be used for blackout purposes. Furthermore, 2 circular sleeves (with zip opening) are foreseen in each side wall for dropping messages into the tent. 5 Ventilation vents are provided and stoves will be issued (if necessary) although there is no provision for stovepipe openings.

Label of a Tent, Command Post, M-1942. This particular tent was made by Bickford Brothers Co, and is dated 20 March 1944.

Command Post Tent elements:

8 X Sashes, Window, Tent, Command Post, M-1942 – Stock No. 24-S-575
6 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 6-Feet, 2-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-242-75
2 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 5-Feet, 8-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-241
8 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
23 X Lines, Tent, Foot Stop, ¼-Inch Diameter (Foot Stop) – Stock No. 24-L-448
8 X Lines, Tent, 14-Inch, w/Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter (Eave Line) – Stock No. 24-L-565
2 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 7-Feeet, 2-Inch, Complete, Jointed – Stock No. 24-P-246
1 X Pole, Tent, Ridge, 11-Feet, 10 ½-Inch, Complete, Jointed – Stock No. 24-P-135
23 X Pins, Tent, 16-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-49
8 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock 24-S-1070
3 X Stays, Cover, Ventilators, Tent, Command Post, Style I – Stock No. 24-S-1263-75
4 X Lines, Tent, 7-Feet, 6-Inch, Sewed-2-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter (Lacing Line) – Stock No. 24-L-513

Drawing of Tent, Fire-Resistant, Squad, M-1942, Olive Drab, Stock No. 24-T-320-34 (1) Entrance (2) Upright Pole (3) Upright Pole (4) Ventilator (5) Reinforcing Band (6) Guy Line (7) Eave Roping (8) Spindle (9) Eave Line (10) Ridge Pole (11) D-Ring (12) Stovepipe Outlet (13) Ventilator Flap Line (14) Wall Line (15) Foot Stop Line (16) Door Flap Line (17) Corner Line (18) Pin (19) Pin (20) Wire Slip

TENT, FIRE-RESISTANT, SQUAD, M-1942, OLIVE DRAB, Stock No. 24-T-320-34

Introduced in 1942, as a replacement for the Tent, FR, Pyramidal, M-1934, Olive Drab and used for the previous Infantry Squad numbering 8 men. Built to shelter the new Squad, now numbering TWELVE men! This tent is 16 feet wide, 32 feet 7 ½ inches long, and 12 feet high. Heat can be provided by installation of 2 tent stoves with the necessary accessories.

Squad Tent elements:

4 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 6-Feet, 2-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-242-75
8 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 4-Feet, 9-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-235
2 X Lines, Guy, Tent, 50-Feet, Sewed-two-Ends, Cut-Splice-in-Center, 5/16-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-610
26 X Lines, Eave, Tent, 10-Feet, with Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter - Stock No. 24-L-540
1 X Pole, Tent, Ridge, 17-Feet, Jointed with 30-Inch Metal Sleeve – Stock No. 24-P-157
2 X Poles, Tent, Upright, 12-Feet, 3-Inch, Jointed with 30-Inch Metal Sleeve – Stock No. 24-P-66
4 X Lines, Ventilator Flap, Tent, 13-Feet, 6-Inch, Sewed-One-End, ¼-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-562-50
42 X Lines, Foot Stop, Tent, ¼-Inch Diameter - Stock No. 24-L-448
4 X Lines, Door Flap, Tent, 3-Feet, 4-Inch, Sewed-One-End, ¼-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-479-50
12 X Lines, Corner, Tent, 14-Feet, with Eye, 5/16-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-565
42 X Pins, Tent, 24-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-59
42 X Pins, Tent, 16-Inch – Stock No. 24-P-49
38 X Slips, Tent, Wire – Stock No. 24-S-1070
4 X Lines, Lacing, Tent, 6-Feet, Sewed-Two-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-500
20 X Lines, Door Fastener, Tent, 2-Feet, 6-Inch, Sewed-Two-Ends, ¼-Inch Diameter – Stock No. 24-L-470

A Fly, Tent, Fire-Resistant, Squad, M-1942, Olive Drab, Stock No. 24-F-125 was also introduced the same year. It was used as an auxiliary roof for enhanced protection of the tent. This part provides for additional air circulation between ridge and fly. The Fly could be used as an intrinsic part of the Squad Tent, or individually as a Shelter. It used to be part of the Squad Tent, but was no longer issued after August 1944!

Note: a revised type of Tent, Fire-Resistant, Squad, M-1942, Olive Drab, 6-Foot, 2-Inch Door, Stock No. 24-T-323-600 was already introduced in 1942. It shelters SIXTEEN men when stoves are not installed, and TWELVE men with stoves installed. It can be used as a small Field Hospital, a Field Bakery, a Storage Tent, or for any other general purpose. After August 1944, subject Tent replaced Pyramidal and Storage Tents, which had become limited standard. Basic modifications vs. the previous model, are the two vertical doors, new ventilators, separate stovepipe outlets, and other minor features. The Tent is 26 feet wide, 32 feet and 9 inches long, and 12 feet high. The floor space is 512 square feet and the ridge height 12 feet, wall height is 4 feet and 6 inches, giving a pitch of 7 feet 6 inches. Canvas flaps protect the ventilation holes, and 2 stovepipe openings are provided for either installation of stoves (Stock No. 65-N-2500) or for ventilation. There was no longer a Fly for this Tent model.