MP40 Ammunition Pouches - Blue

Blue MP40 Ammunition Pouches – equipment for the Maschinenpistole 40

The blue MP40 ammunition pouches formed part of the individual equipment used for carrying magazines for the Maschinenpistole 40, one of the most recognizable German submachine guns of the Second World War. The pouch system was normally arranged as a left and right pair, each pouch containing three vertical magazine compartments, giving a total carrying capacity of six magazines on the equipment belt.

The blue or blue-grey colour is associated with shades used on various Luftwaffe textile equipment items, including packs, bags, canvas accessories and field gear. Compared with green, feldgrau or tan versions, the blue variant has a more distinctive appearance, visually connected with the German air force and its ground, security, Flak and parachute formations.

The construction in heavy canvas provided durability, flexibility and sufficient strength for carrying loaded magazines. Closure straps, rear belt loops, buckles and leather reinforcements were placed at the points most exposed to tension and wear, keeping the pouches secure on the belt and the magazines firmly retained during movement, marching and field use.

Each compartment was shaped for one straight MP40 magazine, normally holding 32 rounds of 9×19 mm Parabellumammunition. The three-cell arrangement on each side distributed weight across the belt and allowed the magazines to be reached quickly. For personnel carrying a submachine gun, ready ammunition and fast magazine changes were essential to the practical use of the weapon at close range.

The MP40 was used by a wide range of German units, including infantry, armoured crews, vehicle personnel, paratroopers, non-commissioned officers, officers, security detachments and support formations. Within the Luftwaffe, MP40s and their ammunition pouches could be used by ground personnel, Flak troops, guards, security units and airborne formations.

From a construction standpoint, MP40 pouches followed a simple but functional layout: textile body, vertical compartments, adjustable closures and reinforced attachment points. The blue version keeps the same practical structure as green or feldgrau examples, while the fabric shade recalls the blue-grey textile equipment associated with the Luftwaffe.

Collector’s note: MP40 pouch pairs may differ between the right and left sides. Some sets include a small auxiliary pocket, often linked to a loading tool or maintenance accessory. On blue or blue-grey examples, fabric shade variation can be especially noticeable, ranging from muted grey-blue to stronger blue tones.