| Place | Asia: Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL33803 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Physical description | Leather, Metal, Sharpening stone or compound |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
Survival knife and scabbard : Flying Officer B G Young, No.35 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force
Description
United States Marine Corps 'KA-BAR' type of double edged combat knife. The leather scabbard has eleven small rivets with verdigris on them. A compartment is sewn on the exterior of the scabbard for a sharpening stone. This stone is broken into two parts and is contained within the compartment. The retaining clip at the top of the scabbard is broken. On the rear of the scabbard is hand written in black ink 'LEE RANKIN' and a there are two slits in the scabbard for attachment to a web belt. The knife has a metal blade, leather grip and hexagonal shaped end. There is extensive surface pitting on the blade and an unknown white substance on the leather grip. On the end of the knife is some light grey paint.
History / Summary
This knife was acquired by 43754 Flying Officer (FO) Brian Geoffrey Young in approximately October-November 1966 from United States Marine Lee Rankin who was based at An Thuoy Air Field on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. FO Young was a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Pilot with 35 Squadron and was visiting the island as part of a regular supply run. FO Young served with 35 Squadron in Vietnam from 9 September 1966 to 14 September 1967.