Code: NIV
Stores reference 22P/24. Tropical version. Light tan gabardine 'pack' in the form of a double sided container that mirrors the shape of the back of a 1941 pattern Mae West. Essentially rectangular, 22" long x 12" wide at the base, the top tapering to a width of 6". It is fitted with webbing grab handles on 3 sides and a larger strap to allow it to be carried over the shoulder as a bag. A single zip fastener runs up the length of the pack and gives access to numerous inner pockets, each numbered and designed to contain specific survival aids/rations. Tropical and Arctic variants were produced and this example would have contained items including razor blades, MI9 pattern compass, fishing tackle, sun hat, heliograph, kife, matches, Aircrew first aid kit, emergency flying ration MK.III, snares, fire making tablets, burning lens, national flag, water botte etc. The pack could be tacked to the back of the 1941 pattern Mae West or, when that wasn't being worn, a parachute harness backpad, using scarlet locking thread. The pack is in excellent condition. There are a couple of small marks but it would appear to be unissued. Empty but the components required to fill out the pockets do turn up from time to time. Stock code NIV.
