Packet of energy tablets issued by the Ministry of Air : RAAF

A small printed cardboard packet containing Ministry of Air issue energy tablets, which formed part of the survival equipment contained in aircraft life rafts. The packet originally contained five small aluminium tube-shaped capsules, each designed to hold six energy tablets. Two caspsules are missing, whilst only two capsules still contain tablets. One of these capsules, is still sealed with its white paper label printed with '6 ENERGY TABLETS, Take only as instructed by Officer in Command'. One outer edge of the packet gives similar instructions, whilst the other edges give detailed instructions as to when and when not to make use of the tablets. As recorded on the packet, the aim of the tablets was to, 'Stimulate physical and mental reserves, Overcome feelings of fatigue, Starve off depression low spirits and apathy, Ward off sleep and Promote keenness and will to survive'.

These tablets were obtained by 42538 Neville (Ray) Town, RAAF, from the contents of an aircraft life raft at the end of the war. Following Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) training in Canada, he served as a co-pilot with 295 and 570 Squadrons RAF, flying Stirling bombers. In 1944 his regular pilot, an American who had also gone through EATS training asked to be transferred from the RAF to the USAAF, he requested and received permission to temporarily transfer to the USAAF so he could continue to serve with him. During this five months of service in 1944, he served in France with the 155th Photo Reconnaisannce Squadron, USAAF, flying A20K Super Boston aircraft in support of the United States 3rd Army.