SOE Jump Suit - Two Piece Shovel/Spade

[seebee1]

In trying to assist a researcher I am not sure if I have a problem with what I always believed to be an SOE two-piece shovel/spade. I was asked to take an image of the shovel and seperate handle fitted to the special inside pocket of the SOE Jump Suit. When I tried this (I had always assumed it was correct) I found that the seperate handle seems too long for the pocket, also the fastening end of the shovel also protrudes more than I thought it should. I doubt that in all instances that an Agent would carry this shovel, this would depend if it was a "blind" drop or to a Reception Committee. If any forum member has any knowledge about this, perhaps an example to post, I would much appreciate it. I do not think that there are any period images that show this shovel fitted to the jump suit, nor the actual contents of items fitted into other pockets in the suit. If I am wrong then would be delighted to see them. Many thanks, Clive.

[seebee1]

Image 2

[seebee1]

Image 3 - Final

[force136]

Soe suit

Hi Clive

Not sure if you saw the photo albums for SOE at Kew. I went through them when I was there last but I can't say for certain if there are photos of the suit w shovel. I remember seeing the winter white suit all done up.

In SOE training manuals, including a pamphlet from STS 103 here in Canada they include training write-ups regarding what to do with the parachute once you hit the ground. According to them, the shovel was to dig a hole for the chute, suit and the shovel. None of that was supposed to be kept. I figure you already know this however.

Ken

Image 3 - Final

[Marc Sherriff]

Is it possible that there are two shovels, one for the suit and one for the leg pouch?

[kammo man]

Nothing to add just I would love to own one of these suits !!!!!!



owen

[Marc Sherriff]

Is it possible that there are two shovels, one for the suit and one for the leg pouch?

To answer myself, yes.

In the SOE catalogue Spade, Lightweight G74 = Blade 9 inches long x six and a quarter inches wide, Handle 21 and half x one and a quarter inches diameter.

Parachutists, Spades MK.II(A) G75 = Blade 12 and half inches, Handle 14 x one and a half inches. This is for the Tool carrier that straps to the leg.

So I suspect that if yours does not fit the suit then it is the spade for the Tool carrier.

[seebee1]

Many thanks for the comments. I did not know of SOE Photo-Albums Ken, but next time at Kew will look out for them. You are quite right Marc and is seems there are two patterns of this shovel. I have two examples, one as my posting and another on loan to the "Secret Army" exhibition at Beaulieu. I am hoping this latter one is the pattern for the Jump-Suit, but need to visit there again to check. I have a copy of the SOE Handbook as well and can not believe I missed this detail! Just wonder if a Forum Member has any examples to post, would be keen to see them. Kind regards, Clive.