Odd Commando item

[Kiwi Ric]

Hello guys

Im hoping one of your gurus can help me with this "Photos soon"

I picked up 2 items today belonging to a Commando vet, his Sister held onto them from when he passed away,

the first item is a photo of the young chap wearing a commando bd

and the second item is an odd vest

the the vest/Bib ties up at the back, its Bright yellow with a cotton trim, now its dated 1942 and has a b-arrow and manufactures stamp

the yellow part of the vest is made from screened silk? un sure as one side is super smooth and the other is rough....

Now the lady said her brother got told to wear this on D-day, he was part of the company that were to meet up with the Paratroopers?

I'm getting more info later on so will post with photos

ohh his name was Pevcival Harold Collett

[Kiwi Ric]

Tis ok with a helping hand I know what it is

a recognition bib, worn by the para's and Commando's for night fighting what a lucky score!

photos soon

[Kiwi Ric]

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[Kiwi Ric]

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[Kiwi Ric]

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[Kiwi Ric]

4 edit "fix'd picture

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Ric, these were actually designed for ground to air recognition, not for night use as such, but for use in daylight.

These were not just issued to special forces.

Cheers, Ade.

[Kiwi Ric]

Thanks for that fix up then mate

I was just referencing : D-day Paratroopers by jean Bouchery and Philippe Charbonnier

I should edit the book

[Adrian Stevenson]

Yes, that is the problem. Some books have made people think they were special forces only.

They were designed to be carried in the respirator bag on the chest and tied in place with the two tapes. On approach of friendly aircraft it was pulled out of the bag and held taught in front of the body by the two small tabs. I have an account of how to use it from 1942 in an Offciers hand written notes.

The material they were made from was known as "Celanese".

Cheers, Ade.

[JEROEN1944]

Nice picture

Jeroen