RAF Brass Escape compass Original

Original WW2 RAF escape compass.

This is the standard RAF type 1/2 Inch escape compass and was part of Aircrew survival kits 

This small Brass compass was developed by Christopher Clayton Hutton at MI9 to help RAF aircrew evade capture, in the event of bailing out.  

The  brass case has a magnetized star type rotor with luminous dots, to indicate north..

size 13mm wide 5mm deep

During WW2 RAF Aircrew on operations over enemy territory were issued with different pieces of survival equipment like maps printed on silk and worn as scarfs, hacksaws hidden in boot heels and the most importantly the Escape and Evasion button compass. Various models were issued, some innovative ways of concealing them were used such as hidden behind a brass RAF button, sewn into collars and sometimes they could be swallowed.