A rare camouflage suit made for a British secret agent to be parachuted behind enemy lines in Europe during the Second World War is for sale.
The British Special Operations Executive striptease suit is dated 1942 when much of Europe was occupied by Nazi Germany.
It’s rare for a striptease suit to survive as they were normally buried by the agent when he landed.
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Suits made by the British SOE were also adopted and used by the US Office of Strategic Services.
Behind enemy lines the agents would gather intelligence, coordinate local resistance and establish communications networks as reported by What’s The Jam.
“The suit is specially designed to allow agents to drop in from low altitudes and to be able to make a quick getaway,” explained Caroline Dennard, Halls Fine Art’s militaria specialist.
“The full-length dual zip allows for quick undressing and disposal and the suit incorporates multiple pockets for spades to bury the uniform and parachute.
“The agent could then quickly change into civilian clothing to blend into the local population.
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“As these were naturally meant to be discarded they are sought-after items.
“It has been consigned by a Shropshire vendor who has written works on military camouflage.”
It will go under the hammer at Halls Fine Art’s next militaria, naval and aviation auction on February 26 in Shrewsbury, Shrops.