At the outbreak of war, the Pak Parachute Co. Ltd of Mitcham, Surrey, relocated to Tiverton to continue production of parachutes on the second floor of the factory building. Their parachutes were used throughout the war in all of the major campaigns including the airborne assault on Arnhem, Holland. Barrage balloons for the Air Ministry were also made there. The Engineering Department became engaged in sub-contract work for the British Aeroplane Co. and the Westland Aircraft Co., producing Spitfire and other aeroplane parts. All through the war, net production continued, fulfilling orders for the USA, Canada, Australia and a few neutral countries on the continent.
The parachutes were made of nylon, and were very brightly coloured. If there was a mistake in the weave of the nylon, people were allowed to buy the fabric to make underwear out of (because it was not rationed). It was the only fabric people could get.
The parachutes were made of nylon, and were very brightly coloured. If there was a mistake in the weave of the nylon, people were allowed to buy the fabric to make underwear out of (because it was not rationed). It was the only fabric people could get.