RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West by Kay Canvas

RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West by Kay Canvas

Introduced in 1941 it was commonly known as the 1941 pattern Mae West and this model is the latter was non flapped type, The first model with the flap that folded out when the pilot ditched  to help buoyancy was deleted after the K type Dingy was introduced.

The 1941 model was completely different to the 1932 and was made of yellow cotton for higher visibility and featured a Co2 self inflating cylinder. over the time of WW2 many modifications were made to the vest and most are incorporated into the 1941 non flapped vest.

Features of the 1941 Mae west

Yellow Cotton Twill fabric

3 sizes Medium, Large and X-Large

a small snap fastened pouch on the left chest pocket

Leg tapes tied around the pilots thighs to stop the vest riding up when he ditched in the sea

Heavy webbing loops/ handles on the front so a waterlogged pilot could be dragged out of the sea

Ditching whistle pouch and lanyard loop upper left near the collar

Two cylindrical pockets on right hand side for a floating lamp and its battery

Manual inflatable tube for extra inflation

Sea dye package was carried on the left side activated by pulling sharply on the cotton tape breaking the stitching holding the packet.

3 plastic buttons fasten the front

Drawcord pulls neck tighter and tie off above the 3 buttons

War department Label replaced the Air ministry

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