A rare Second World War SOE agent’s ‘striptease’ suit – £5200 at SAS.
When British Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents were parachuted into occupied Europe in the Second World War speed was vital. Not only did they have to jump from sub-radar altitudes as low as 400ft, hitting the ground within 10-15 seconds, but they also had to make a quick getaway.
A solution to this was the ‘striptease’ suit. This was an all-in-one camouflaged jumpsuit which covered civilian clothes and was easily disposed of using dual zips at the front. The agent would parachute with a small spade attached to their leg to bury the suit and parachute after landing.