M.I.9. Escape & Evasion

[seebee1]

I will start this thread off by posting the cover and a couple of pages of the M.I.9. "Per Ardua Libertas" book of 1942. The letter inside explains the contents. There is an interesting website that gives mention to the book www.silkmaps.com/history.html I do not know if the reason for it being made is correctly stated, certainly a possibility, however what I do know is that very few copies exist, I know of only three worldwide. The size is some twelve and a half inches by fifteen and three quarters and half an inch thick. There are 76 pages, some with samples of different maps, and deals with Escape Aids, Pre-Capture, Pre Capture and Post Capture, Post Capture and other headings. It is bound in red leather and gold embossed, hugely expensive to manufacture today in limited numbers, in 1942 it would have been even more so. Following the images of the book, I will post the simple escape compass and the small telescope. By no means am I an "expert" on the subject of M.I.9. it is just one of my interests and have been fortunate to locate some good original pieces. If forum members are interested in this subject I will continue to post, over the next few weeks, other M.I.9. items. Clive.

[seebee1]

Image 2 - Letter of Introduction, written and signed by Major C. Clayton-Hutton.

[seebee1]

Image 3 - How the Escape Compass is manufactured.

[seebee1]

Image 4 - Example of Escape Compass (front)

[seebee1]

Image 5 - Example of Escape Compass (back)

[seebee1]

Image 6 - Post-Capture Baby Telescope. Purpose for watching guards etc. Magnification 8 and 6.

[seebee1]

Image 7 - Examples of Baby Telescopes

[seebee1]

Image 8 - Examples of Baby Telescopes (opened to fullest extent)

[Strider]

Wondeful! Keep it coming clive!!

The "Per Ardua Libertas" is a beautiful and fascinating album.

Lee

[byterock]

Over the years I have met a large number of Air-crew vets who's most cherished keepsake of the war was their little button compasses.

Keep it comming

[seebee1]

A Pre-Capture Fly Button Compass, as illustrated in "Per Ardua Libertas". This book is available in copy form, from an American Dealer, if you use a seach engine you will find it. Clive.

[seebee1]

Example of Fly Button Compass, the two pieces.

[seebee1]

Fly Button Compass assembled for use.

[seebee1]

A different model of the Single Button Compass. They can be found in black and brown. They are used by suspending the button from a thread. Image is from the top.

[seebee1]

Single Button Compass. Back, showing suspension and North-South markings.