Original Item: Only One Available. During World War II, the British Army issued a type of personal flotation device (PFD) known as the Life Belt. The Life Belt was designed to help soldiers who were crossing waterways or beaches during amphibious assaults or river crossings.
This particular model of Life Belt was used by the British Army during several amphibious assaults, including the D-Day landings in Normandy and the crossing of the Rhine in 1945.
The Life Belt is made of rubberized canvas and features a large, circular inflatable bladder that could be inflated by mouth or with a pump which is rather dried out, stiff, and brittle. The belt retains both of the adjustable straps that could be fastened around the waist, or it could be worn over a soldier’s uniform or equipment. The Life Belt was designed to keep a soldier afloat in the water, allowing them to swim or float until they could be rescued or reach the shore.
The original arsenal broad arrow stamp is retained, reading G.I.R. 1943 (BROAD ARROW). The belt still retains a REINSPECTED marking for the date AUST (August) 1943. The overall condition is quite nice and is presented without any extensive damage. This variant is far more difficult to find than the American models.
Comes more than ready for further research and display.