How a Hollywood icon's name became a vital piece of wartime survival gear

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Discover the surprising connection between actress Mae West and the life-saving equipment used by pilots during the Second World War. This video explores how a specific self-inflated life preserver earned its famous nickname and continues to serve a purpose today.

The video examines the history of the 'Mae West' life preserver, a piece of self-inflated equipment that saved many lives during the Second World War. Through the lens of a pilot's personal history, it illustrates the practical reality of wartime survival and the enduring legacy of this essential gear, which remains in service even today.

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