use of willow and cane in civil defence and war fare

[helenandrews]

I am doing some research for my city and guilds basketry course into how basketry techniques and materials have/are been/being used in modern civil defense and military war fare. for example, I know they use willow in construction of the bearskin hats that the grenadier guards wear and have heard that willow is used in some shields (by the swiss guard?) Does any one have any information or know of any museums, curators, historians, manufacturers that could help me expand my search and make more enquiries? thanks

[Phil the Grips]

Gabions were large baskets, filled with spoil, used to defend breaches in walls and artillery emplacements.

Some singlesticks had woven basket hilts and were used as practice swords in fencing schools and military training.

I'm pretty sure Vegetius suggests using wicker shields for strength training.

[Sir_John_Thomas]

they used to pack artillery and mortar shells in wicker boxes for transportation, I'm sure I've also seen WW2 airborne troops using wicker boxes to pack gear into in the gliders they used.

The Romans did train with wicker shields and wooden swords, they were heavier than the real ones used for combat.

Wicker baskets for carrier pigeons?

[Sir_John_Thomas]

Persian wicker shields http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immortals_(Persian_Empire)

[John Waller]

Baskets for observation balloons, protection for SRD rum jars. Hampers from Fortnum's.