No. 234 Squadron RAF Marked 1941 Pattern Mae West Life Preserver With Bladder
SOLD
In a very good condition a No. 234 Squadron RAF Marked 1941 Pattern Life Jacket. This large size example is complete with the grab handles, all the web leg ties, buttons and torch pocket and flap, also retaining the original brass metal maker marked zipper in working condition. The female snap that closes the torch pocket flap has pulled away from the main body but remains present (See Photograph). The vest is fitted with the original 8/1944 dated bladder with inspection stamps. A stunning Squardon marked life jacket that flew missions on D-Day!
The squadron was reformed on 30 October 1939 at RAF Leconfield. In June 1940 the squadron moved to RAF St Eval in Cornwall where it was based before and after the date regarded historically as the start of the Battle of Britain, 10 July. Here the unit’s main duties were patrols, scrambles and convoy protection. During 1941 and 1942 the squadron was operating from various bases in the south and carried out both offensive and defensive duties but in January 1943 it was transferred to Orkney, flying at first from RAF Grimsetter with a detachment at RAF Sumburgh, and later from RAF Skeabrea”
Six months later the squadron returned to the South of England, firstly at RAF Church Stanton, and was soon operating over France again in preparation for Operation Overlord, the forthcoming Allied invasion of Normandy. On D-Day it was equipped with the Spitfire V LF operating from RAF Deanlans as part of Air Defense of Great Britain, though under the operational control of RAF Second Tactical Air Force.
