Button Compass, RCAF, Concealed, Jacket Size

This ordinary looking button contains a concealed compass. Designed by MI9 to be worn on a flight uniform, the compass was intended to help evaders and escapers find their way to safety after being shot down over enemy territory.

This concealed compass button was worn by Flight Lieutenant James Henry Eric Delaney. In 1941, Delaney trained as a navigator with the Coastal Operations Training Unit and was posted to Royal Canadian Air Force 404 Squadron, where he flew Bristol Beaufighters. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for assisting his wounded pilot to fly their aircraft home after it was hit by flak whilst on an operation.