During the Second World War, escape compasses were an important piece of equipment developed by MI9, MI9 was a section of the British Military Intelligence that developed tools to assist with escape and evasion. These compasses were produced in a vast variety and issued as part of escape kits, hidden in uniforms, in buttons or …
Continue reading “Compass, Fly-Button, Second World War (RAF – 1940s)”
The compass is a magnetometer (used for measuring the Earth’s magnetic field), for navigation and orientation that shows direction. The structure of a compass consists of the compass rose, which displays the four main directions on it: East (E), South (S), West (W) and North (N). The angle increases in the clockwise position. North corresponds to 0°, so east is 90°, south is 180° and west is 270°. The history …
The Government of India produced these mugs during the Second World War and possibly earlier. This example is made in green enamel by Bengal Enamel in May of 1944. Note the soldered seam along the handle as well as the raised rim on the base. In the field most soldiers eat ration packs or something …
Gas masks posed a dilemma for soldiers wearing eyeglasses. The first gas masks were essentially flannel bags with mica lenses. The fit over glasses was often a problem. In addition, glasses tended to fog underneath these hoods. The soldier had the choice between fighting blind or being gassed. Fortunately, early in the Great War, conscripts …
The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers came into being officially on 15 May 1944, with the fusion of various elements from the Royal Canadian Engineers, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, following the model of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. With the passing of the 1855 Militia Act, volunteer …
Continue reading “Badges and Shoulder Flashes of Various Units”
The gangrenous condition known as “trench foot” plagued many 1WW soldiers on both sides of the fight. Keeping one’s feet dry became a top priority for every front-line soldier. Foot powder assisted with this task by absorbing moisture away from the skin and helping to clean away debris and reinvigorate the skin. Foot powder was …
Continue reading “Powder, Foot – First World War to the Present”
Gas masks were initially not considered an important piece of equipment in the First World War until poison gas attacks by Germany took the Allies on the Western Front by surprise, resulting in many casualties. The British small box respirator was first introduced to British soldiers in April 1916 – a few months before the Battle of the Somme. By …
This holster was made by Canadian manufacturer Zephyr Loom and Textile. Larger than the standard holster, and of a more rounded appearance, it was likely designed to fit the .455 Webley, (Colt 1911A1) and Browning 1935 pistol designs as well as the standard service issue .38 pistol. SPECIFICATION METRIC IMPERIAL Manufacturer Zephyr Loom and Textile …
What kind of sewing kit did soldiers use? Sewing Kit: This kit example from the First World War was called a “Housewife.” The typical sewing kit carried by Canadian soldiers included needles, thimble, buttons for Battle Dress and shirts, thread (both thin for badges and thick for darning socks, gloves, and other woolen items), and …
The photo shows a unique, vintage, key-shaped, ‘Lucky’ farthing pocket/ pen knife with a 1911 King’s Head farthing coin set into it. This novelty artifact was made by Richards, Sheffield England. There is a loop at the top where a keychain may be added. Knives were manufactured between 50’s -70’s with different coins used. Dimensions: …
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