M.I.9. Escape & Evasion

[seebee1]

Looks like a regular long needle, but not certain of its purpose, perhaps just sewing, but I doubt it.

[seebee1]

This may be what it is for, but I will examine if far closer soon.

[seebee1]

At bottom of this image is a very tiny Compass, shown with the regular sized version, used in Pipes and other objects.

[seebee1]

Escape Belt, Compass and map sewn inside.

[seebee1]

Close up of Compass location

[seebee1]

The above image is of the back of the belt, wrong caption used. As yet I have resisted opening it, however I am very curious as to what country the map is for.

[seebee1]

Close up of Compass location. More items to follow, though will probably leave this now until sometime in the New Year. Until then, Happy Christmas viewers! Clive.

[Marc Sherriff]

This has got to be the most interesting thread ever. If there was a vote, it would get mine.

[Napalm]

More M.I.9 Items. Interesting and unusual clear plastic capsules. What the exact purpose or use for them I do not know.

I would surmise that these are for sticking up your ass, sorry for the crude language but as a former ass hider I can vouch that I had contraband the size of an average egg up my back pasage.

[Strider]

I would surmise that these are for sticking up your ass, sorry for the crude language but as a former ass hider I can vouch that I had contraband the size of an average egg up my back pasage.

My first thought as well was that they are "creepers" but they seem a little too small for that. Some POWs used cigar tubes for the purpose.

[Strider]

This thread just gets even better. Many thanks Clive for all the pictures and especially the escape boots. I presume it is not true that the top of boots joined together to make a waistcoat?

Did your collection come from a MI9/SOE veteran?

Lee

[seebee1]

Many thanks for the comments Guys. The small capsules are really way too small to use in the manner suggested, but surely would fit! As for mention of "egg size", a truly eye-watering prospect! Regarding the Escape Boots I think it improbable that the tops were used at the immediate time of evading, having just bailed out or being shot down. If they were still being worn intact in a P.O.W Camp then it is a possibility as nothing would be wasted. I have been fortunate to meet with many veterans over the years and certainly the odd item has come from them. However most are due to having some knowledge of the subject and sourcing materials from the usual places, Arms Fairs, Antique Fairs and shops, Military Dealers, friends and family, fellow collectors (not just in the UK) eBay etc. As I mentioned in an earlier posting it is not too hard to put together a very neat M.I.9 display or collection. It takes time, patience, perseverance and a measure of good fortune.

One last item for the year, a Post Capture Pen Nib. It has a small indentation which balances perfectly.

[seebee1]

Back of Pen Nib Compass with small indentation for it to balance.

[seebee1]

Pen Nib Compass still functioning well today. More postings to follow in 2008. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Clive.

[1stcanpara]

Clive,

Let me add my name to the chorus of others who have shown their appreciation for your amazing collection, and more importantly, for the time you have put into sharing it. Have you considered creating a virtual museum?

Regards and thanks again,

Gary