USAAF Type M-1 Flak Vest

During 1942, 70% of USAAF aircrew casualties were due to flak and other low speed projectiles. After flak vests were introduced, fatality rates of bomber crews were reduced by 50% and injuries by 70%.

Manufacture of the Flak vests was undertaken by companies in the USA and by Wilkinson Sword in the UK. The vests comprised of a back and front aprons comprising of overlapping manganese steel plates sewn into a heavy, cotton lined fabric. A third plate covered the groin. The aprons were held together at the shoulders by ‘lift the dot’ fasteners and a red toggle handle was provided in the centre of the vest which would allow the garment to be shed in seconds if pulled. The vests were adopted by Bomber Command in the latter stages of the war.