B24 GENERAL ELECTRIC TYPE 1 EMERGENCY SIGNALING MIRROR

From the original estimated 18,000 B-24s built during WWII, over 6,600 B-24s were lost due to enemy action, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failure, crew error or simply running out of fuel.

Over land the survival rates of crew who bailed out were far greater than those who attempted a belly landing but over water, if possible, the odds of survival were far greater for a crew by staying with their aircraft as the pilot attempted to ditch.

Ditching a large four-engined bomber such as the B24 in perfect operational condition and calm seas  was no simple task as this USAAF training film attests (See here) but under war-time conditions, with dead and injured crew, a severely damaged airframe and loss of one or all engines, it was an extremely dangerous undertaking.

Whilst a number of B-24s were forced to ditch in the English Channel as they returned battered and damaged from a bombing raids over occupied Europe, many more came down over the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and Pacific theatres of war during anti shipping and submarine patrols.

As such, all USAAF bombers were equiped with easily accessed life-raft kits capable of sustaining downed crews for a number of days or even weeks.

Amongst the survival raft's food, medical and water rations, crew would find fishing equipment, dye markers and a signaling mirror.

Manufactured by the General Electric Company, the Type 1 Signaling Mirror (ESM1) carried directions for use on one side as well as crosshairs cut through the reflective mirror coating which enabled the user to sight an approaching aircraft or vessel whilst reflecting sunlight at them.

One of the first USAAF Signaling Mirrors, this ESM1 still retains its original lanyard with some finger wear over the top left hand edge of the rear instructions from use and is a rare reminder of the dangers and hazards that faced flight crews during WWII missions.

Mounted on its 100yr old mango wood base, the unique piece of USAAF survival gear also includes an engraved plaque and double sided Fact Sheet as well as a fantastically detailed, custom built hand coloured 1/72 or super detailed 1/48 scale model of the iconic Consolidated B-24 Liberator perched above on its removable magnetic arm.

This B-24 Liberator Collectable comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand and Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of collectable in service.

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