[Troy White]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for your reply. I think I read somewhere that the single point attachment for paratroop canopies made it less likeley to malfunction when exiting the JU 52 in the body position taught to the troopers and also made it easier for the jumper to fire a weapon while suspended.

It is quite interesting that the pieces that you have from the early war period are white. I wonder why they later changed colour? Maybe it has something to do with Search and Rescue?

I found a passage in a short story that describes the 17 Aug 44 mission to Regensburg by Lt. Col. Bernie Lay Jr. who was flying with the 100th BG. ""...several fighters heading for the deck in flamesor with their pilots lingering behind under dirty yellow parachutes."

I have a several WWII pilot's rigs both American and British. I reckon there has to be a collector in Europe with some Luftwaffe rigs. Having been in the skydiving industry for 34 years I have asked some of my rigger friends if they know of any vintage parachute collectors in Europe but have so far drawn a blank.

I reckon I'll keep looking...

Troy