M1926 inflatable flotation belt, manufactured by Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. Metal buckle and hook, consists of two parallel tubes that are inflated by manually operating two cylinder canisters. The manufacturing date is poorly readable. The belt retains its flexibility.
Original U.S.N M1926 Inflatable Floatation Belt Life
M1926 inflatable flotation belt, manufactured by Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. Metal buckle and hook, consists of two parallel tubes that are inflated by manually operating two cylinder canisters. The manufacturing date is poorly readable. The belt retains its flexibility.
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This type of belt is particularly known for use during the D-Day landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944.
The M1926 inflatable floatation belt was used as a life preserver by assault troops during amphibious actions and beach landings. The belt was inflated by squeezing two switches located inside the belt, which activated two CO2 bottles. If the CO2 bottles failed, the belt could still be inflated by blowing into the rubber covered pipes.