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1945 - The Rhine Crossings
in the Wesel Area

US Army Wrist Compass

A compass worn on the wrist was a useful item for airborne troops, who had to find their bearings after landing.

Compass found on the battlefield of Operation Varsity - with a replica wrist band
added.

These simple compasses were mainly issued to enlisted men and NCOs. This model produced by Superior Magneto was made of plastic with a liquid-filled housing for the needle. The object shown here is a battlefield find and was unearthed near Diersfordt, where units of 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment went into action during Operation Varsity. The wristband made of leather is a replica which was later added.

(Olaf Prinz collection/Liberation Tower, Hamminkeln)

Troopers of 517th Airborne Signals Company boarding a glider on March 24th, 1945.
The man on the left is wearing the compass suspended from his shoulder strap.
The man on the right wears in on his sleeve. The photographer's flash caused a
reflection and made the compass rim appear brighter than it actually was.