RAF 1932 Pattern "Mae West" Life Preserver

Royal Air Force 1932 pattern "Mae West" life preserver

This model life vest became synonymous with the Battle of Britain in 1940 as it was seen worn by Spitfire and Hurricane pilots aswell as bomber crews. The vest  was introduced in 1932 and was so referred to as the 1932 pattern, the official RAF name was "Waist, life saving, stole pattern temperate"

It got its nickname " Mae West" by Pilots during WW2  because someone wearing the inflated life preserver often appeared to be  large-breasted like the US actress Mary Jane "Mae" West who was very famous at the time. Colours varied from manufactures in WW2 from a light tan to olive green and Kay canvas have based this colour on an original in their collection.

The vest consists of

• Double thickness cotton fabric
• 3 buttons at front
• 2 webbing tapes at waist and chest with buckles 
• Horse collar shaped waterproof compartment with zip closure  at back of neck
• 3 contoured  pads connected by webbing cords which are removable
• Instructions are stencilled on outside

3 sizes 

• Medium upto 40" chest -Measures  46"117cms under arms
• Large upto 44" chest  ---Measures 50" /127cms under arms
• X large upto 48" chest   -Measures 56"/ 142cms under arms 

Made by Kay Canvas