M.I.9. Escape & Evasion

[seebee1]

An early pattern of the RAF Ration (Survival-Escape) Box, fitted inside a Cigarette Tin. These predate the later acetate casing-box. Hope to add more items another time. Regards, Clive.

[Truebrit]

I saw Ken Joyce asking if anyone had a British Ration Pack MK IV. for sale. Just to expand on that, has anyone actually ever seen a real one? I have seen a lot of period images of it, but never a real one. Did it ever go into production and does anyone have a real photo of one, or know where one is (museum etc) please? Thanks. TB.

[halifax]

Collor stud compass

Collar stud compass with paint in place

Hi,

Got an offer for Collar stud compass with Black paint. Do you know of the existence of this type of Collar stud compasses???

Cheers,
Adrian

[skypilot]

I have heard and seen such examples.

[seebee1]

Agree with skypilot, the only examples I have seen Adrian are painted white. Can you post an image of the black painted one? All the best, Clive.

[halifax]

Agree with skypilot, the only examples I have seen Adrian are painted white. Can you post an image of the black painted one? All the best, Clive.

I would like but the compass is offered to me so I can't post a photo. The seller still also not have the oppertunity to send me a photograph. I only have seen white painted collar stud compasses and never seen a black painted compass. My question is if someone have this type of compass in his collection or is the compass re-painted during the war or after?.

Clive what a wonderfull collection. I am collecting Bomber Command flying clothing, but I have some M.I.9 escape & evasion in my collection too. I have a weak heart for this kind of stuff. Wonderfull stuff.

Cheers,
Adrian

[seebee1]

I somehow doubt that black paint would be original in WW2 Adrian. If it were mine I would just remove the paint and have a fine example of the Collar compass, no need to worry then about the paint color. Glad that you like the M.I.9 material, it would be great if you would post items from your own collection. Regards, Clive.

[halifax]

I somehow doubt that black paint would be original in WW2 Adrian. If it were mine I would just remove the paint and have a fine example of the Collar compass, no need to worry then about the paint color. Glad that you like the M.I.9 material, it would be great if you would post items from your own collection. Regards, Clive.

Thanks Clive ,I think I will take your advise and take the collar Stud compass(if the price is right). Sure I will posted some pics when the compass is mine. I am still hunting after a saw (still wrapped in paper) from the escape puch(Maps only one). If you bump onto one please let me know.

Regards,
Adrian

[seebee1]

Looking at the website for warhistoryonline there is an article today entitled "Cameras hidden in cigarette lighters and other awesome WW11 spy gadgets". A copy of the book Per Ardua Libertas has been found and will be on sale through Bonhams in January 2103. The article mentions that the book was produced for Americans by M.I.9. and some 100 copies were made. There does seem to have been some American connection, however the number of copies manufactured may not have been as high as stated. I know of four copies in private hands and one on display at the Combined Services Museum. I believe somewhere between 6 and 10 were made, however if any Forum member has other information I would be interested to know of it.

[Marc verstraete]

To add some life to this tread, i post a original map I just received today from a 98 year old Belgian SAS vet :-) Never used but original !

[seebee1]

Excellent Escape Map Marc, even better with the history that goes with it

[seebee1]

Attached is a copy of "Top Secret I.S.9 (WEA). Appendix "D" to E & E Report". This is a very interesting document regarding the use and issue of the Aids Boxes and Purses. The RCAF airman flew from RAF Tholthorpe www.controltowers.co.uk/T-V/Tholthorpe.htm and there he also attended a Lecture on Escape and Evasion. The document explains the items that were issued to him and the use he made of them, including the loss of his Maps and File.

[Grimebox]

I have never seen one of these before. It is interesting to note that he states that he did not use his aid box and then that he used it all up whilst hiding! (and all in a 24hr period). Do you know what I.S.9 (WEA) stands for? I have seen references to it alongside M.I.9 on witness statements from airmen who have been shot down and assumed that it was an intelligence department. On the attached links to witness statements the pilots are interviewed by I.S.9 (W) or I.S.9 (WEA) and the statement is distributed to I.S.9 (WEA) amongst others. What confuses me is why I.S.9 (WEA) is on most of the 'Zones of France' maps.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/laurieb...9wewatkins.pdf

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/laurieb...20lwfstark.pdf

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/laurieb...29jbpurkis.pdf

[Grimebox]

Finally worked out that I.S.9 is Intelligence Section 9 of M.I.9! But what is the (WEA) and why is it on the Zones of France and not on any of the other maps?

[seebee1]

Unfortunately I do not have the answer for this, possibly Western Europe? I have posted this document on your own superb thread on the www.warrelics.eu Forum, when approved by their Moderators. By the way, I heard today that the Per Ardua Libertas book, being sold early next year at Bonhams, may be a mock-up or similar of the original book that the printer printed for M.I.9. Regards, Clive.