Mk 4 back pack parachute and harness : P Thost

Back-pack type parachute pack and harness. The harness has brown cotton webbing straps for the arms and legs, leading to a four point central front harness lock. The face of the lock is impressed with an arrow and the words 'TURN TO UNLOCK/PRESS TO RELEASE'. The side of the lock is stamped 'T30016R', 'I 701/3XY' and 'R15A/150Y'. The Rip cord 'D' ring is retained on a cotton webbing panel attached to the right hand shoulder strap, and the ripcord is protected by a braided steel tube. The harness is adjustable by metal slides at the shoulders and hips, and is sewn directly to the parachute pack. There is a Broad Arrow marking stamped in black on the left hand shoulder strap. The parachute is folded and enclosed by four khaki canvas flaps which are secured at the centre of the pack by the wire of the ripcord. A protective panel over this fastening is secured by four press-stud fasteners. A folded piece of white cardboard stored in a pocket on the inner face of the parachute pack is marked with servicing details. The bungee cords which pull the pack open to release the parachute have been removed, and are stored in a separate bag.

The Mark 4 back pack parachute was the standard issue during the 1950s and 60s for aircrew operating De Havilland Canada aircraft such as the Beaver and Chipmunk. This parachute was worn by Mr Paul Thost who flew a DHC-1 Chipmunk aircraft (registered 9M-ANA) in Malaysia during the 1960s.