For today's posting, I've pulled out an interesting bit of United States Coast Guard motor lifeboat history......... one of the original first aid kits from the Motor Lifeboat Invincible 52313.
I was stationed at USCG Station Grays Harbor in Westport, Washington, from 1984 to 1986. I was a boat crewman on the Invincible and the other station boats, the 44' MLB's 44406 and 44372, the SRB 30617 and a 41' Utility Boat. For additional photos and the back story about my time at USCG Station Grays Harbor, use this link to jump back to that earlier posting:
http://sharky-fourbees.blogspot.com/2011/12/uscg-station-grays-harbor-1984-1986-my.html
While working at the station, I saved this first aid kit from the trash bin when it was replaced. This would have been sometime during 1984 - 1986. The Invincible was built in 1960, so this could very possible be the first aid kit that came with the original gear that the boat was equipped with. The kit is a USDA Forest Service first aid kit designed for use in vehicles or large crews of 20-25 persons. At the time I was in the USCG, the Coast Guard was part of the US Department of Transportation. When we ordered items, they came from the General Service Agency, and as such, we could get items that were designed for any of the US government departments. This could make for some very unique and interesting items in USCG service....... like a Forest Service first aid kit on a Coast Guard motor lifeboat!
There are only four 52 foot motor lifeboats in the entire world, and all of them are located on the Oregon and Washington coasts.......... some of the roughest surf conditions in the world! Here is a link to a great page that gives the specifications and data on these amazing 52 foot boats:
http://www.44mlb.com/52-mlb.htm
Here is the photos album of this unique first aid kit:
Here are some photos of the MLB Invincible and her sisters:
Today's posting will be a quick "filler" posting of a pretty cool set of patches that I have in my collection.
These patches are from the uniform of a Swedish Police Officer. The patches are a woven, Bevo style. The "Polis" name tape was worn over the left breast pocket and the main patch was worn on the shoulder.
Not much more to say about this set of patches, so let's take a quick look at a few "Svensk Polis" photos:
Yesterday I had to amuse myself for a few hours while Sweet Pea gave violin lessons at the house, so I decided to make the "Thrift Store Rounds". My first stop was the Goodwill Store...............
I picked up a brand new, never issued, pair of US Military, cold weather over pants and a stainless steel, US mess kit. And the best part was the price: $10.00 for all of it! Here in the rainy Pacific Northwest, I'm sure I'll find a few uses for them............................
The pants are US Woodland Camo pattern, and are made to be worn as the outer layer of the US extreme cold weather system BDU's. They are constructed out of three layer nylon and Gore-Tex, with a bungee draw-string waist adjuster and zipper legs with Velcro tab cuffs. The butt of the pants are double layered and all of the seams are tape sealed with Gore-Tex seam tape. This pair even had the inventory bar-code tag still attached! According to the contract number on the label, these pants were manufactured under a 1996 contract.
The mess kit is all stainless steel construction, and is un-dated. This kit dates to the 1970's or later. Sweet Pea claimed this treasure for herself and will packing it into her survival and camping bag. (not bad for the .99 cent price !!!!)
Here are the photos of the Cold Weather pants:
This last weekend, Sweet Pea and I made a quick tour of the local thrift stores looking for some end of the week treasures. We made some great discoveries and went home with some pretty unique items. One of which, is the subject for this morning's posting................ an original, WW2, US Military 4 x 4 field bandage.
This is a standard field dressing that was issued out to the troops in the field and was included in nearly all of the field first aid kits that were found in vehicles, aircraft and in the soldier's personal kits. These bandages were made by a very long list of manufacturers. This one was made by The Bay Division, Parke Davis & Company, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. There is no printed date on the package, but it is definitely identified as WW2 issue.
Here are a couple of very good website links to sites that have detailed information on the medical gear and kits used by the US Troops in WW2:
http://www.mtaofnj.org/content/WWII%20Combat%20Medic%20-%20Dave%20Steinert/EquipmentOfWWIICombatMedic.htm
http://med-dept.com/index.php
An now for some detailed photos of this small bit of US, wartime, medical history. Here is the photo album:
Here are a few photos of some of the heroic US Medics at work in the field...... a fitting end to this posting.
