Flying boots
Object detail
Accession number
2002.60.6
Description
Probably size 11. According to donor's letter, known as "Escape Boots". The suede covered/sheepskin lined leggings are not detachable from the shoes. Shoes have five pairs of eyelets laced with flat-tube lace.
Brief History
These leather boots were designed for flight crews to wear on missions during World War II. The boots consist of wool-lined shoes onto which were stitched zip-up leggings. A knife was provided in one leg to cut away the leggings, leaving the wearer with civilian shoes to assist in evading detection. The hollow heels could also contain packets of dried food.
Boots such as this pair were one of the various escape aids manufactured by MI9 to aid POWs and airmen during World War 2. Many of these aids were based on the ideas of Christopher Hutton, a World War1 pilot and movie PR man. Hutton made compasses concealed inside pens or tunic buttons; he reversed the thread so that, if discovered by enemy forces and they tried to screw them open, they would just screw tighter. He printed maps on silk so they would not rustle, disguised them as handkerchiefs and hid them inside canned goods.
Boots such as this pair were one of the various escape aids manufactured by MI9 to aid POWs and airmen during World War 2. Many of these aids were based on the ideas of Christopher Hutton, a World War1 pilot and movie PR man. Hutton made compasses concealed inside pens or tunic buttons; he reversed the thread so that, if discovered by enemy forces and they tried to screw them open, they would just screw tighter. He printed maps on silk so they would not rustle, disguised them as handkerchiefs and hid them inside canned goods.
Marks
RUNNER / MADE IN / ENGLAND Maker's Mark
Media/Materials
Collection
Credit Line
Flying boots, 2002.60.6. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.