Airborne - Parachutes Query

[BeppoSapone]

Somewhere I read that parachutes were "colour coded" during WW2. Thus a paratrooper "on the ground" could tell what was in a container before it even hit the ground.

Is there any truth in this, and if so does anyone have the details?

A few years back I saw a dress in a museum in Sussex. The dress was supposed to have been made from a parachute. I wont say what colour it was - yet.

[morse1001]

Somewhere I read that parachutes were "colour coded" during WW2. Thus a paratrooper "on the ground" could tell what was in a container before it even hit the ground.

This could be used one of those stories, think of all the time it would take to ensure that,

A} There were sufficent parachutes of all colours on each airbase
B} that there was enough time to individually match up contents to parachue - what happens when it is a mixed container?
C} Troops would have to be trained to recognise the colour coding!

As for the material, parachutes be they silk or nylon were in great demand during the war for clothing! silk ones for ladies nether garments

[CROONAERT]

Originally posted by BeppoSapone@Jun 19 2004, 08:33 AM
Is there any truth in this, and if so does anyone have the details?

This is actually true, but was usually used in supply drops.

I have a reference (somewhere!) that lists the different colours for the different items (there's not that many - red, yellow, brown, white, - off the top of my head). When I find it, I'll post the details.

PS, the dress you mention. It wasn't in that disgusting "Pea" pattern camouflage used on US 'chutes was it?

B.

[spider]

I have just read a book called ‘Airborne Invasion’ (printed 1944) about the battle of Crete and in that the author says that the Germans had colour coded parachutes for their equipment.

Spider

[morse1001]

Originally posted by spider@Jul 23 2004, 11:15 PM
I have just read a book called ‘Airborne Invasion’ (printed 1944) about the battle of Crete and in that the author says that the Germans had colour coded parachutes for their equipment.

Spider

german supply Parachutes.

The containers were marked with their units designation and coloured markings to show the contents, they could also be fitted with coloured smoke markers for better recognition

http://www.eagle19.freeserve.co.uk/parachute.htm