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  #16  
Old 10-04-17, 08:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cribyn View Post
I'm guessing it would have been something like the second button from the top otherwise they would have wasted a lot of time taking off a lot of buttons and testing each one!

Roger
I think that maybe the position of the button was random so not to give the Germans a clue which one to look for! they would not have been on the uniform when first issued, as it was only required by aircrew.
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  #17  
Old 11-04-17, 03:41 AM
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Default escape buttons

Thanks, everyone, for a lot of useful information. I've been seeking one of these for many years. I've tried unscrewing in both directions as I was first told they unscrewed clockwise because the Axis forces knew that UK conventionally unscrewed anti-clockwise. But I thought what if the 'less than average German' conducted the search - he would try the German convention - clockwise - and "lo and behold - a compass".
Were these issued to ALL RAF personnel who flew over enemy territory?
Were they required to be handed back at War's end?
If many received them and they were not returned I expect there should be many more about.
If returned, what became of them - melted for recycling?
Which personnel among the other corps and arms would have received this button?
Regards, Tony
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  #18  
Old 11-04-17, 10:04 AM
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Interesting point is that these 'RAF' Buttons would only have been worn on No1 Dress Jacket, and later in the war Blue Battledress would have been worn in particular by other ranks aircrew? would the brass fly button compass then be used.

What type was used by Army Airborne Troops or SOE etc? I know magnetised razor blades were issued for use in escape and evasion kits, and various other types smuggled into POW camps for use in escapes as well.
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  #19  
Old 11-04-17, 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike_2817 View Post
I think that maybe the position of the button was random so not to give the Germans a clue which one to look for! they would not have been on the uniform when first issued, as it was only required by aircrew.
Hello Mike

Yes, that would make a lot of sense. As long as the airman knew where his particular escape button was he would be OK.

I had visions of a downed airman patiently testing all of his buttons to find the escape button! And then, like Charlie and I, being told that he had been unscrewing them the wrong way!!

Roger
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  #20  
Old 17-04-17, 10:02 PM
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Folks,
An addition to the original WWII Escape Button Compass list (Royal Engineers), so please keep them coming:

Royal Engineers
Royal Artillery
Reconnaissance Corps
General Service button
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Royal Air Force
RNZAF
RCAF
Polish Air Force
USAAF
Australian Armed Forces
New Zealand Armed Forces
British General Officer's button
Royal Navy
Royal Marines
(Fleet Air Arm) - described but not seen.

So please reply with any escape buttons you come across, beyond the above list.

Many thanks again everyone
Phil
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  #21  
Old 18-04-17, 07:56 AM
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Hello Phil

A very interesting list and thanks for the effort in creating it.

One point that immediately springs to my mind is that if the Royal Berkshire Regiment had an 'escape button' would it not follow that every other infantry regiment could have had one? Off hand I can see no reason why the Royal Berkshires should have been singled out for special treatment, so to speak.

Roger
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  #22  
Old 18-04-17, 11:03 AM
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Officer POWs were allowed to receive clothing parcels from home so its quite possible that a new uniform could be ordered for any Regiment possibly with all the buttons containing compass's?

Rob
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  #23  
Old 19-04-17, 05:42 PM
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Phil.

Another to add would be the SAS L Detachment (sure the SF experts would know what button design would have been used) as Jim Storie did say of using a compass disguised as a button on his trousers when escaping.

Ta

Jonathan
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  #24  
Old 22-04-17, 04:44 AM
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Excellent thread and very informative. I've always been fascinated with items related to escape and evasion, but have not been lucky enough to find a compass within a Regimental button. Attached are some photos of my small collection. Please keep the photos and information coming.

Thanks

Paul
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File Type: jpg Maps and compas.jpg (86.0 KB, 49 views)
File Type: jpg Close Ups.jpg (76.6 KB, 68 views)
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  #25  
Old 22-04-17, 12:08 PM
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Paul, interesting to see your version of RM badge compared to that highlighted by IRV in this other thread. What do you think?
Charlie
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  #26  
Old 22-04-17, 11:03 PM
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G'day Charlie,

Thanks for the reply and link to the auction with the RM badge. The badge I own didn't come with any provenance so interested to see a thread on identifying original badges. 'Irv' simply highlights that he doesn't like the badge in the auction. It would be nice to know why in order to further my collecting knowledge? If you could point me in the right direction Charlie I'd appreciate it.

Paul
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  #27  
Old 23-04-17, 06:11 PM
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I'll take some pictures and post them in a while. It would also be nice to see behind the compass but I presume it's glued in?? Is it?
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  #28  
Old 23-04-17, 07:05 PM
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I've just trawled through this fascinating thread on another forum. I recognise a name?
Charlie
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  #29  
Old 23-04-17, 07:05 PM
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Here are a number of different ages of Kings Crown RM cap badges. Compare these to your badges and look at the quality of stamping and in particular the tail of the lion and the back of the globe.

Regards
Irv
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File Type: jpg IMG_2447.jpg (32.6 KB, 28 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2448.jpg (41.0 KB, 32 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2449.jpg (40.0 KB, 14 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2450.jpg (37.8 KB, 23 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2451.jpg (34.4 KB, 17 views)
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  #30  
Old 23-04-17, 07:07 PM
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File Type: jpg IMG_2456.jpg (34.9 KB, 13 views)
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