Type X Mk 2 Parachute pack, 1944 circa (silk, cotton or nylon)

Type X Mk 2 Parachute pack, 1944 circa. This type of parachute, used by the British airborne troops who landed at Arnhem, had a 26 ft (7.92 m) canopy made of either silk, cotton or nylon, attached to 28 rigging lines with a minimum breaking strength of 400lbs (181 kg). The Type X had a comfortable webbing harness and a single, quick release fastening over the stomach. Unlike American parachutes of the time, this model did not have a reserve parachute. This was because the British jumped from a much lower altitude than the Americans and this did not allow adequate time to use a reserve should it be needed. An excellent design, it was in service for 25 years before finally being withdrawn.