Description
Physical description
Hydration pack: rectangular-shaped water carrying pack, faced with US pattern three-colour desert camouflage fabric and shoulder carrying straps made of desert tan nylon, fitted with khaki plastic quick-release clips and a chest brace. The internal expanding black rubber bladder is located by a top access pocket, fitted to the inside rear and closed by two metal pop-studs.
A plastic filler cap is located to the top, with a horizontal carrying strap above, and a vertical one below. A flexible feeder hose extends from the top left of the pack (interchangeable, depending on what shoulder the man's weapon is fired) and terminates with a plastic capped sealable mouthpiece that is fitted with a manually operated flow cut-off valve.
History note
With the emphasis on carrying ammunition and water during operations in near unendurable temperatures of 55 degrees Celsius, soldiers on front line service in Afghanistan require a daily intake of water of over 10 litres per day. The Camelbak hydration pack augmented his conventional waterbottle, permitting him to carry an extra 3 litres (additional ammunition, water and rations were supplied daily in the field via the CQMS). This hydration pack was carried by Corporal Moore MC whilst in action on 13 April 2007.
Corporal Robert ('Billy') Moore MC of Southend on Sea joined the British Army in 1993. After completion of basic training he joined the 1st Battalion (the Vikings), The Royal Anglian Regiment, serving two tours in Northern Ireland, 1996 -97 and 1999-2001, respectively, Bosnia in 1995, Iraq 2005, before being deployed to Afghanistan during Operation HERRICK 6 in March 2007. It was there that as a Section Commander in 3 (Corunna) Platoon of A (Norfolk) Company that Corporal Moore's Section encountered five Taliban who were setting up an ambush east of Nowzad on 13 April (A Company's first contact). In the ensuing fight, Corporal Moore's gunner, Private Chris Gray was mortally wounded having killed two enemy, whilst Corporal Moore rushed forward to kill the remaining three with grenades and Gray's automatic weapon. Corporal Moore was wounded in the right upper arm by a 7.62mm round fired from an RPK, losing a large part of his deltoid muscle. Despite the severity of his wound he remained focused, and maintained command of his section, preventing further enemy cohesion and extracting Private Gray to the designated casualty evacuation point under constant harassing fire. After receiving initial first aid Corporal Moore was later flown to Camp Bastion where he was examined by surgeons before being sent to England for further medical attention. Indeed, after receiving treatment at Headley Court and a further spell at Pirbright Barracks (the Vikings' garrison) on light duties, Corporal Moore rejoined the Battalion in the field in late August to complete the tour, his wound healed and his physical fitness restored. For his acts of leadership, determination and courage, Billy Moore was awarded the Military Cross by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace on 1 May 2008.
Applied by hand in black ink to the inside rear of the hydration pack.
32c
CPL MOORE
3PL
A Coy
O POS
Mo 8926