RAF Ditching Whistle

A good original example of the early chromed Air Ministry whistle; this was replaced later in WWII by a white plastic example that was carried in the pocket of a 41 pattern Mae West life jacket. Ours carries a crisp Kings Crown and A.M. below. It is then embossed 293/AA/22 Con14C. I would say this one is pretty much a dead ringer for the one shown in Mick Prodger's Luftwaffe V RAF flight Equipment book top centre of page 39 where he describes as 'an early example.' The chrome finish is in good issued condition and comes complete with hanging ring and these were often attached to the Mae West of the collar of the battle dress blouse. It still functions with a very loud blast exactly as intended 75 years ago. A small but essential piece of RAF escape equipment to which many downed RAF aircrew owed their lives.