'Ruby and Bluebell in their pixie suits', 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).

'Ruby' Ayres (left) and Hugh 'Bluebell' Moffatt (right), wearing new oversuits issued to British tank crews.

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).