1908 Pattern Shovel/Pick Head Entrenching Tool Case - 1908 style The 1908 entrenching tool was used virtually unchanged from 1943 on; the web carrier was naturally redesigned to interface with the 1" buckles of WE 37. A modified helve appeared during the war, with an attachment point for a spike bayonet, in order that the helve and bayonet could be used as a mine prod. The helve was attached to the outside of the carrier by web loops and was easily lost. The problem of losing the helve from the carrier was not resolved until late in the war; on 21 Apr 1945. Overseas Routine Orders gave "specific instructions on the modification of the entrenching tool carrier, to prevent further loss." Carriers were to be modified at unit level with the addition of a web strap to fit over the end of the helve. "Up to this time, troops had been wrapping the handles with tape, or even carrying them in their packs. It is unlikely that many of these official modifications were carried out" during the war.