Originally Posted by
CoffmanStarter
1941 Irvin Boot
I believe the straps were added when Ejector Seats appeared ... But I could be wrong
In 1961 some at ITS were issued with these. When they arrived at FTS they were replaced with the '51 pattern and the others were returned to South Cerney where they were 're-issued.
For some reason this was preferred rather than issuing a deficiency chit.
I sold my well used '65 pattern, 30 years old and my lightweights 40 years and hardly worn, on eBay.