WW2 RCAF compass

6A is a (very early) RAF stores reference number, which includes aircraft instruments. The P8 was used in many aircraft, and your example is very early, since the rotatable bezel only has two crosswires; later versions had two more wires, at right angles, but only half-painted, so as to form a “T.” This was because the original arrangement could easily lead to the pilot flying on a reciprocal course. The compass was normally filled with industrial alcohol (which is poisonous,) plus a percentage of water (later went to 100% alcohol.) Inside the bowl is a metal “spider,” with 8 arms, 3 of which have tubes of white powder mounted on them. Please do not remove the bezel, or try to disassemble the compass, in any way. If it has not received a post-war modification, to make it react to fluorescent lighting, the tubes, and some of the writing on the bezel, under the glass, will be radium powder, or paint. While the radiation, in itself, is not lethal, by any means, the paint, as it ages, turns powdery, and can easily be breathed in, with severe consequences to your lungs. First, take it into a darkened room, and, if it glows, it has the radium paint; if it doesn’t glow, illuminate it with a fluorescent lamp, when much of it should glow, and it’ll be safer to handle.
The name could mean that it was tied in, somehow, with an Essex-based company, Kelvin & Hughes, who certainly made many “P” compasses during, and post, war.
There should be a curved lever, which, when turned to the right, locks the rotating bezel in place. The idea was that you set your desired course against the small white tube on the opposite side of the “AFT” engraving, locked the bezel, and turned the aircraft until the tubes were centred between the pair of wires; the locking lever was to stop the bezel rotating during flight, due to vibration. The compass was normally accurate to +/_ 1 degree, and could be used anywhere in the world.
The hand-held compass is what was known as an “Observer’s Compass,” and could be used for taking star sights from the observer’s cupola in, for example, a Lancaster. The observer would sight on the star, through the “V” sight, then light the card, from the bulb shining through a ground-glass screen beneath, so he could read off the heading. It had an accuracy of about +/- 2 degrees; it, too was filled with alcohol.
Unproven, I know, but it’s my belief that the yellow circles, on the pilot’s head armour, were to signify that it was magnetic, and that the compass should not be used anywhere near it.
Edgar

Ontario Hughes Owens Hand held RCAF Compass

The description is almost exactly like the type I have. I have no case with mine. All the manufacturing, No., type, ATF and reference no., are imprinted on the face of the compass. This includes RCAF and Canada. The prism on the top of the face has knobs which position the prirm. The readings on the dial have curled and are not readable. The compass itself is brass and has an adjustment screw I assume to set exact direction. At the purchase, I was told it was a hand held ship’s compass. I would like to know if that is true. The last thing, I would like to have some idea what it might be worth. I am selling off nautical antiques and other related items. This is the first time. in all of my research, I have a clue and an exact description. If anyone can help me with any further information, I would really appreciate.

Ontario Hughes Owens Handheld RCAF Compass

Hi all;
I stumbled onto this inquiry regarding the compass in question.
I have what appears to be a handheld prismatic sighting or bearing compass, also made by The Ontario Hughes Owens Co.
It’s wooden case is marked Type 06 as is the compass bezel.
There is a tag attached to the compass which also details the type 06 model as well as the serial number which also appears on the grey painted bezel.
The compass is liquid filled and has a movable prism sighting apparatus attached to the bezel. The compass has a wooden handle about 5 inches long and a compartment for batteries (of a type unknown to me – slightly smaller than a ‘c’ size). The top of the handle unscrews (as does the base, for battery access) from the compass, exposing the lens which, I assume, illuminates the compass dial.
My simple deductive powers tell me that this compass would have been used by aircrew – navigator, perhaps to check fixed compass bearings.
Can anyone please help me to identify this device, it’s use and possibly where I might obtain proper sized batteries?

“of the type fitted to the Hurricane” is about as close as you’ll get.

Not to mention Tiger Moth, Chipmunk and other types.

Thanks for the responses.

Man I’ll jump for joy if it’s from a hurri 🙂

I’ll let ya’ll know what the guys in Ottawa tell me.

Bumba

The “A” has nothing to do with Avro, but I agree that a P8 compass is more likely to have been installed in an Anson than a Lancaster.

Lancs used the P4 which is of larger diameter, replaced by the P10 in due course.

Regards

682al

Or Canadian Hurricane of course!!

The “A” has nothing to do with Avro, but I agree that a P8 compass is more likely to have been installed in an Anson than a Lancaster.

Lancs used the P4 which is of larger diameter, replaced by the P10 in due course.

Regards

682al