A flight jacket adorned with a “blood chit” refers to a garment worn by aircrew, sometimes in periods of battle. The chit itself is a doc, usually made from silk or different sturdy materials, containing a message in a number of languages requesting help and protected passage for the downed airman from native populations. These messages usually promised a reward for aiding the airman’s return.
This mixture of protecting outerwear and important communication device offered an important lifeline for aircrews working over hostile or unfamiliar territory. Traditionally, these chits have been essential in facilitating the rescue of downed pilots and navigators, fostering goodwill with native communities, and serving as a tangible image of hope for these dealing with perilous conditions removed from pleasant traces. Their presence signifies the potential for survival and repatriation even underneath essentially the most difficult circumstances.
