Tirick, the 'trick' here is to realise that 1) parachute straps must be snug when "ready for action" and 2) when the straps of a seat-pack are snugged up, you cannot walk around upright. Many pictures of standing pilots with their chute on are undoubtedly with the straps loosened and hence hanging a bit. That is what is sometimes confusing.
If you visit this 'PDF' site:
http://www.butlerparachutes.com/PDF/...s%20adjust.pdf
it can help explain how the straps work together. I remember in flight training of being taught to 'squat' a bit to tighten the thigh straps, and even then further tightening was needed after getting into the cockpit. Then, on top of the chute harness, the seat belts made for a very tight feeling when all was "right".
The seat pack actually creates a cloth & belt 'seat' for the wearer so when the chute opens, and the risers orient vertically, the shock is spread across the buttocks and not just around the thighs. These old style chutes have been superceeded by integrated harnesses, for the most part, within the 'fast mover' community. Of course, you are modeling a different era.
Primarily, the lower straps you've depicted appear incorrect since they should more likely pass from the rear between the legs, over the thighs to attach to the pack's short corner straps near the hip. Different designs may have used more strapping and back packs use slightly different strap arrangements but the thigh straps should be pretty standard across the board.
Did you find a specific reference image that you are working from showing the hanging straps?
EDIT: I found this view of a 1940-period "pilot's" seat pack chute & four-point harness (at:
The Historic Flying Clothing Company) that looks closer to your design depiction. It lacks the clips or adjustments over the thigh - apparently it is adjusted at the buckles near the quick release in the middle of the chest. This would be awkward to adjust due to the looping of the strap back onto itself, unless there is another point of adjustment that is not evident from this view. Does nicely show the wide 'strap' for the D-ring that would come in from under the left arm - which is *not* a part of the suspension webbing. Note how the shoulder straps hook directly into the quick release fitting.
As you've already noted, there are several different kinds of chutes, so... looking at the second image of an observers, chest-clip style harness you have some standard features such as the riser straps (on the front in this case) plus the 'tangle' of the butt & thigh straps that form the 'basket' in which the body sits. Variations abound, but it appears the RAF didn't figure out to use an "H" strap arrangement (per your original depiction) to take some of the shock load off the quick release until later.
Hope this helps withyour research and doesn't make things more confusing!
