WW1 Canadian CEF Putties are cloth leggings issued to members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Designed to provide ankle and lower leg protection, putties were a standard component of British and Commonwealth military uniforms from the early 20th century. Each puttee is made from long, narrow strips of wool or cotton cloth, typically measuring around 8 to 9 feet in length. These strips were tightly wrapped in spiral fashion from the ankle to just below the knee and secured in place with attached fabric tapes. Putties served both practical and protective purposes, guarding against mud, debris, and minor abrasions while also offering limited ankle support in the field. Their use was widespread throughout trench warfare and other military operations during the conflict. WW1 Canadian CEF Putties present physical evidence of period uniform standards and the daily realities faced by soldiers serving overseas.
