'Tank commanders in their new pixie suits', 1944 (c)

Photograph compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944 (c).

Tank commanders wearing new oversuits pose on a haystack in North West Europe. The soldiers are named as Sergeant Riddell, Sergeant Pool, Corporal Howe, Corporal Ayres (top row, left to right); Sergeant White MM, Sergeant Gill, Sergeant Endacott, Sergeant Moffat (centre row, left to right); Staff Sergeant Major Rhodes, Major Oliver Woods MC; Captain W H JSale MC and Sergeant Maxwell (front row, left to right).

The 'pixie suit' was a heavy cotton protective oversuit introduced in July 1943, as a functional item of clothing for men serving in tank units. The tank suit had a detachable hood and strong shoulder straps that could be used to pull an individual out of his tank in an emergency. It was also a highly desirable item as it could be converted into a sleeping bag.

From an album containing 266 photographs belonging to Major W H J Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).