| Place | Oceania: New Guinea1 |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL34025 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Physical description | Brass, Leather, Plastic, Steel |
| Maker |
Collins & Co |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Date made | 1944 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
V 44 Survival Knife & Scabbard : Captain R A MacDougall, 2/15 Field Ambulance
Description
V 44 survival knife issued to United States forces during the Second World War. The knife features a Bowie blade with a single edge made from tool steel. The crossguard is heavy brass and the hilt is made from green horn plastic rivetted to a full width tang. The sheath is all leather. Markings - COLLINS & CO; (COMPANY CYPHER) LEGITIMUS. MADE IN USA NO 18.
History / Summary
The knife was given to VX108493 Captain Russell Angus MacDougall who served with the 3rd Division, 15 Field Ambulance by an American pilot. The field ambulance was posted next to an American air base in New Guinea. The pilot did not want to carry the knife in his survival gear. Soon after giving the knife to Captain MacDougall the American pilot was involved in a plane crash, and did not survive. Captain MacDougall was discharged on 29 December 1943. The first V 44 pattern Bowie survival knife was developed for the US Army Air Force in 1934 for flying personnel in Panama and Hawaii. The knife was carried in a jungle bail out kit that attached to the parachute harness. It was produced by several companies in the USA as a general survival knife during the Second World War. A substantial number were also produced in Australia, many of which are unmarked specimens. The knives were primarily used by US troops in the Pacific theatre.