X type Parachute

[goody]

Hello all,

Would anbody know where I can find some good information about the different type's of the X type Parachute, that the British airborne used during the Normandy and Holland-drop?

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Goody, the X type 'chute was the only one used in WW2 by British Airborne. Here is a site which shows the 'chute and gives some good detail; click on "Gear" in the index:

http://www.6th-airborne.org/index.html

Cheers, Ade.

[goody]

Hi Ade,

Thanks for the information, but I can't find all the answers I'm looking for on this site!Was there something as the Mark I or Mark II of this X-type Parachute? Was there a difference in the quick release box, or was there just one type of this quick release system? Also on all the wwII parachute harness you see black dot lines (- - - - - -) Now, a while back I had the opportunity to buy a X-type parachute, but this dot lines on the straps of the harness where not black, but they had a other colour. I can't remember it so well, but I think it was red and blue. Now, I don't bought it because this thing dircourage me, but maybe I'm wrong?????

[Gary Jucha]

Quick release box.

I was lead to believe that the 1st pattern quick release box released three of the four strap buckles (Thus on this model you find one of the cross-strap buckles always attached.)
The 2nd pattern box released all four buckles.

..I think Ade might be able to correct me on this if I'm wrong.

Gary J.

[lnijherald]

Hi Goody,
I can't be of much help here, but I found some nice pictures on:
http://pageperso.aol.fr/bdelmere/page1.html
It's in French, but I'm sure you'll find your way around!

Here you will see a nice picture of the black dotted lines:
http://www.arnhemarchive.org/Photos/PicPackChute.htm

BTW the original wartime manufacturer is still in business:
http://www.irvingq.co.uk/index.asp
Perhaps they can be of assistance.
Good luck, Luc

[goody]

Hi Luc,

Thanks so much for your information! I really appreciate your help on this!

[lnijherald]

Hi Goody,

You're welcome; please keep us updated as info is hard to find!
Luc

[J.von Canon]

Check Guy Richard's excellent book...

Hello all,

Would anbody know where I can find some good information about the different type's of the X type Parachute, that the British airborne used during the Normandy and Holland-drop?

Guy Richards recently wrote a 2 vol. book(s)on Allied & Axis Parachutes.
Really informative-and Guy is a long time military parachutist who knows his subject from the Real ,unlike many armchair collector experts.
Military booksellers have his book.
If you have trouble finding a copy let me know by PM and I'll try to get you a contact for the book from him.
J.v.C.