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PN, Always a Sapper, ancientaviator62, SASless, and topgas,
This is the first time I've heard this particular story, and can well see the point of it (no pun intended). It was the medieval chainmail idea brought up to date - what was the size of the chain, and was it effective ? We had armour plate behind us (Vengeance, Spitfire, Hurricane and P-47 (?), but none below - and were all too conscious of the fact,as we often took small round hits from below in the Vengeance.
This seems an abominately uncomfortable solution to the problem ! Surely you would put the chains out of sight underneath a thick cushion ? The "K" pilot dinghies we sat on when flying over water were bad enough, as the metal inflation bottle was packed on top where it inflicted maximum discomfort on a (male) wearer. As the parachute leg straps were just long enough to go through both the dinghy and the parachute seat cushion openings, it was possible to get relief that way, but you were wobbling about on top rather unsteadily.
The obvious answer was a 3/8 armoured steel plate below the seat, but I don't think one was ever designed, Pity.
Danny.