British Type E Night Vision Goggles

[Nitram]

These are the ones that got away Got sniped in the last 10 seconds on eBay, as usual. Eh, at least here's some nice pictures to ponder over; and for reference.












Martin

[Danmark]

Hi Martin,
Sniping sux ........ although I HAVE resorted to it after ( like you ) having it done to me. One can only stay "un-soiled" for so long!
Thanks for these photos at least - I never knew night vision / light enhancement technology went back so far .... I thought it was fairly recent?
Cheers, Dan

[Nitram]

I forgot to save the photo with the date, they are dated april 1944. I'll find it and upload later.

Martin

[big ned]

Haven't seen some of these for a loooong time! They were colloquialy known as "Tabbys" and were a type of IR device initially designed with the co-operation of the Royal navy for use in night signalling, I think the development was undertook by companies like EMI and Barr & Stroud the bino makers.

They were later used in AFV's like the Churchill, Cromwell, Sherman and Daimler Armoured Car as well as Jeeps and 15cwt trucks. Some pairs were employed during the crossing of the Rhine in '44.

Due to the lack of powerful, portable batteries at the time and inclusion of delicate valves that could be temperamental at the best of times, these NVG's were hooked up directly to the vehicles electrical system. A later version of this type of IR equpment was used on the Chieftan tank.

Regards, Ned.