'The pixie suit being used as a bed', 1944 (c)

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

A member of a British tank crew demonstrates the versatility of the new 'pixie suit'.

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).