Safety pins, needles and pins, 1990 (c)

These are from a personal survival kit belonging to Sergeant 'Andy McNab', DCM, MM. McNab commanded an eight-man Special Air Service (SAS) team under the call sign 'Bravo Two Zero' during the Gulf War (1990-91). The kit is small enough to fit into a tobacco tin.

When operating in extreme environments behind enemy lines, clothes start to deteriorate rapidly. McNab's survival tin contains a small sawing kit - comprising three safety pins, needle with thread and pins - which can be used for quick clothing repairs. It can also be used for emergency medical treatment.