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WW2 RAF escape compass

In Military and Wartime > World War Two > Show & Tell and Tools and Hardware > Compasses > Show & Tell.
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    Posted 10 years ago

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    OCAD
    (17 items)

    This is a WW2 RAF escape compass worn on the trouser fly button. Unfortunately only the base remains, but the second part of this set would have been near identical in appearance to this piece, save for the pin.

    With the set placed on a level surface, the second part would have rested on the pin and would have swung towards magnetic north, indicated by two glow in the dark dots. This piece is one such style of an RAF compass, but perhaps the most noted examples are those hidden in the gilt RAF tunic buttons.

    The featured compass has an interesting story. The OCAD Collection acquired an RAF Officer's uniform grouping, including service cap, service dress and raincoat, attributed to an RAF pilot who was regrettably killed in action. Going through the pockets this compass was found. Perhaps the second section or another version of an escape compass was attached to the uniform worn by the officer on his last mission.

    Comments

    1. pops52 pops52, 10 years ago
      Very unique and interesting!

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