Wristlet aneroid (altimeter)

[Lyffe]

I've just come across a reference in a RFC observer's memoirs, to a "wristlet aneroid" which was "strapped round my left instep". I assume this was an altimeter; the author was an observer in a FB5 (Gunbus).

Could anyone describe the instrument or, even better, direct me to a photograph please?

[Scorpiounbound]

What ho Lyffe.

I think this might be what you are looking for (in a general sense) in that this is called a knee compass and altimeter (from the Shuttleworth Collection).

Cheer ho

John

[Lyffe]

I'm very grateful John, that seems to be very similar to my source's description. The only thing is that while I can make out the compass part of the description from the image I'm not sure how the altimeter part would fit in if the compass needle is swinging around. Also the altimeter would include metal components which would affect the compass.

I'm not quibbling, just wondering if the labelling is a correct description - possibly the crews were equipped with one of each, but both having the same design.

Whatever, looking at the image it would appear this was standard issue to the crews.

My thanks again

Cheers

Brian

[Scorpiounbound]

What ho Brian.

I believe one or two Shuttleworth volunteers sign in here from time to time although, for the life of me, I can't remember their handles on this site. On the basis that they might be able to get their greasy mitts on the artefact they might be able to give a better account of its use than my photo can.

Cheer ho

John.

[RobW]

Here is Howard Pixton in 1914, next to one of the soon to be RFC Tabloids... take a look at his wrist. I'm not sure if it is an altimeter, or a pocket watch in a leather strap.

either way, still interesting.

[John McKenzie]

These sort of portable Altimeters were early on , also used by Germans , sometimes looking like a Pocket Watch and held by a string to the loop .
Early-ish examples ( Hohenmesser Fur Flugzeuge,..0-6000 M or so )...were probably used in the " Unarmed days " of Artillary spotting .
JM

[Lyffe]

Thank you both for the last two messages. My original quote came from A J Insall's "Observer; Memoirs of the RFC 1915-1918" and the idea of an altimeter being strapped to an instep implied quite a large-faced instrument with a substantial leather bracelet much as the image posted by John. I think that goes along with the idea of heavily clad observers bundled up against the cold.

That said Rob's image has given food for thought, and if it is an altimeter as John M strongly suggests it is, I'd suggest this one might have been for civilian use by lightly clad pilots.

I'm grateful to all as I've now a picture in my mind to work on.

As an aside could anyone advise if the instrument was standard issue to observers in the early days of the war, or would it have been a private investment?

Brian

[MikeMeech]

Hi All
The G1098-33c for July 1917, this is the 'Mobilization Store Table for the Expeditionary Force, RFC Aeroplane Squadron' - 18 aircraft (Service) Sqn and 24 aircraft (Corps) Sqn.

Page 7 has the following:

'Aneroids 0-10,000 feet or 12,000 feet' - 24 on the sqn.

I think these were fitted to the aircraft as the following item is:

'Aneroids, wrist' - 14 of these were on the sqn. That is 12 observer and 2 spare.

So they were on issue at least by July 1917.

Mike

[Lyffe]

Thank you for looking that up Mike, the info answers the last part of my query very nicely.

Brian

[Lyffe]

Digging around I've just found this item about a wristlet altimeter in the 12 March 1915 issue of Flight:

1915 | 0186 | Flight Archive

Interestingly the manufacturer claims it can be read from 2 to 3 yards, which rather fits with Insall saying his instrument was strapped to his foot.

Looks very much like the one in the photo you posted Rob.

Brian