RAF Dinghy, type K'. Stores reference 27C/1927.  Introduced in January 1942 this is the classic wartime one-man dinghy intended for emergency use.  Manufactured in rubberised cotton in the form of a boat-shaped inflation chamber with a proofed cotton cape and hood at the rear end and a flexible apron or spray shield at the front.  This provided the airman with some protection from sea-spray and the elements when in use.  These were permanently attached and could be unrolled and fastened to the sides using small straps and 'D' rings around the top of the float chamber.  In addition the dinghy has a water pocket on the underside to aid stability, an integral sleeve to hold the CO2 gas inflation cylinder and a top-up valve to which a hand operated concertina type inflation bellows could be attached.  Specially moulded housings on either side of the dinghy allow the insertion of an extendable wooden 'thwart' into which the base of the 7-section aluminium mast could be fitted.  This was used in conjuction with a red glazed cotton sail in the form of an isosceles triangle printed with sailing instructions.  The sail was fitted with simple rope 'steerling lines'. The type K was carried folded and compressed within a variety of different packs used in conjuction with the airman's parachute equipment.  These packs had internal stowage pockets to house the various accessories that were not normally carried within the dinghy itself.  The choice of pack (and therefore accessories) depended on the type of parachute worn by the airman and/or the type of aircraft being flown. #raf #ww2 #royalairforce #survivaldinghy #survivalatsea #1940s #rubberdinghy #rubberboat #goldfishclub #aircrew #pilot #flying #aviation #sailing #inthedrink #dinghy #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany

Fabulous original press photograph showing RAF parachute test dummies all dressed and ready to be deployed from aircraft. Superb kit in this image. Until seeing this I had no idea such dummies were used. #raf #ww2 #parachutes #skydiving #parachuteharness #royalairforce #aircrew #pilot #flying #aviation #vintagephoto #flyingsuit #crashtestdummy #irvinairchute #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #1940s

Lovely pre WW2 RAF officer rank service dress cap by Lincoln Bennett & Co. Burlington Gardens, Old Bond Street, London.  Excellent peak with typical green leather underside showing signs of handing and use.  Blue-grey satin lining with manufacturer's gold blocked logo at the crown.  The inner leather band with manufacturer's name and Royal cypher 'By appointment to the late King George V'. As he died in 1936 and Edward VIII was never crowned, this suggests this cap dates from 1936 prior to the coronation of King George VI. A very good '+' example of the increasingly scarce prewar cap. #raf #ww2 #interwar #vintagehat #vintageclothing #vintagecap #1930s #rafofficer #aircrew #pilot #flying #aviation #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany #kinggeorgev #lincolnbennett #nationalhatday

This classic RAF Reflector Gun Sight was adopted for use in 1941 and used on various Spitfire variants including the Mk.IID, VB, VC, VI, VII & IX, the Sea Hurricane, Mosquito, Beaufighter, Tempest, Typhoon, 339E Buffalo and Lysander (gunner). It is complete with wiring loom/plug and bulb holder.  1944 dated. No bulb is fitted but the cross hairs of the sight can be illumintated with a torch - (hard to photograph). A good / good '+' original example contained in its original transit case. #ww2 #raf #royalairforce #gunsight #reflectorgunsight #spitfire #mosquito #beaufighter #typhoon #hawker #pilot #aircrew #flying #warintheair #warbird #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #1940s #vintageaircraftparts

This RAF stopwatch has a split-second chronograph action and was used to perform complex performance tests, bombing runs and for navigational use. White enamelled dial with twin subsidiary dials measuring seconds from 1-60 and minutes from 1-30.  Arabic numerals.  It has a frosted gilt 17-jewel eight-hour keyless Swiss movement with beats to one sixth of a second and two centre second hands rated to one revolution per minute.  It is provided with two control knobs. Successive pressings of the large central knob start, stop and reset both centre hands of the chronograph as well as operate the 30-minute counter gear.  When the side knob is pressed the lower centre second hand stops enabling the user to make interim timings.  This knob has no control of the 30-minute counter.  If the pendant knob were first pressed so as to bring the centre seconds hand into action, a sequence of pressings on the side knob causes the lower centre seconds hand alternately to stop and then fly into sync with the upper second hand.  Pressing the pendant knob again then stops both centre hands and a further depression will reset them. The dial is in excellent condition.  The back cover is hinged and a hinged dust cover sits beneath. There is some light scratching/burring where these have been opened.  The movement works correctly and appears to be keeping good time.  A scarce very high quality timepiece. #raf #ww2 #stopwatch #airministry #vintagetimepiece #vintagewatch #bombercommand #pilot #aircrew #flying #aviation #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany

A very Happy New Year to all of our followers. Thanks for watching... These small metal and plastic 'counters' were used on the plotting tables and tote boards in the operations room of an RAF station during WW2. They gave information on such things as the strength, direction and height of enemy and allied aircraft. Tally Ho chaps! #ww2 #raf #rafstation #opsroom #flying #aviation #aviationcollectibles #battleofbritain #pilot #aircrew #happynewyear #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany #vintage #1940s #squadron #luftwaffe #warintheair

A very Happy Christmas to everyone following or viewing our posts. Thank you for looking... #raf #aaf #luftwaffe #ww2 #pilot #flying #aviation #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #vintageclothing #1940s #1940sfashion #militaria #christmas #vintagechina #royalairforce #usarmyairforce #flyinghelmet #parachutes #flyinggoggles

The final day of Advent and it's time to breathe... We are offering this incredibly rare RAF type D oxygen mask with type 54 adaptor and loom. Stores reference 6D/105.  Classic fabric oxygen mask synonymous with pilots and aircrew of the Battle of Britain.  This mask has also been fitted with a rarely seen type 54 rubber adaptor allowing the use of the later period type 26 microphone (10A/12570). A pair of face defenders are sewn in place for attaching the mask to a flying helmet.  Overall this is an excellent and scarce variant of an already very rare mask.  Further photographs available on request. Stock code O14726. Live on the website now. Swipe to reveal the photos. Sorry, now sold. #raf #battleofbritain #pilot #aircrew #flying #ww2 #aviation #aviationcollectibles #oxygenmask #1940s #vintageclothing #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany #advent #adventcalendar #christmasgiftideas #fightercommand #bombercommand

For the 23rd day of Advent we are offering a super rare RAF 1941 pattern 'Flap type' Mae West, Stores reference 22c/447.  Size medium.  Manufactured as one of the incredibly rare 'Flap-Type' Mae Wests and complete with the flap attached.  Being an early variant this Mae-West was never fitted with leg straps, grab handles, skull cap/heliograph pocket, flotation lamp pocket or lifeline and toggle.  It does have the inflation lever flap, fluorescene flap and strap, tying tapes and all three of the original metal buttons.  Lovely large label with Air Ministry King's crown marking and A.I.D stamp.  I would argue that these are at least as hard to find as the 1932 "Battle of Britain' pattern.  A good '+' example of an extremely rare Mae West.  The first we've had for sale for eight years. On the website now. Swipe to reveal the photos. #raf #maewest #lifejacket #ww2 #vintagemilitary #aviation #pilot #aircrew #1940s #vintageclothing #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #airministry#safetyatsea #royalairforce #aviationcollectibles #survivalatsea #advent #adventcalendar #christmasgiftideas

For day 22 of Advent we offer you this RAF DFC casualty medal grouping awarded to Squadron Leader Vernon Ralph Garcia 'Harkie' Harcourt (41790), a Mosquito pilot with 139 (Jamaica) squadron, killed in action on Friday 21st May 1943.  He was piloting a Mk.IV Mosquito, DZ464 XD-C, on a raid from his base at RAF Marham, Norfolk, to Orleans in France.  The aircraft was shot down by flak on the coast near Le Treport, Normandy, when returning from the raid.  Both he and his  Navigator, W/O Jocelyn Friendly DFM (581211) were killed.  Harcourt was just 25 years old.  He is buried in plot H.17 of the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetary, Hautot-Sur-Mer in France.  The grouping includes the Distinguished Flying Cross (unnamed as issued, 1942 dated, with original Royal Mint case), 1939-45 star, Aircrew Europe star, Africa star and War medal.  These are complete with loose ribbons.  Also comes with condolence forwarding slip for the medals (name mispelt which is not uncommon). Accompanied by the original and poignant 'Missing in Action' telegram dated 22 May 1943 and a handwritten letter to his parents from the Commanding Officer.  He writes in the letter 'It is with the deepest regret that I have to confirm my telegram dated 22/5, informing you that your son is missing.  He was seen to crash having apparently been hit by flak.  I very much regret to say there can be little hope that either he or his navigator, W/O Friendly, could have survived...' More details on our website. Swipe to reveal the photos. #raf #medals #ww2 #medalgrouping #distinguishedflyingcross #mosquito #killedinaction #pilot #aviation #flying #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #1940s #royalmint #aircreweurope #squadronleader #fightercommand #bombercommand #lestweforget #vintagemilitary

Advent day 21 and our offering is a super rare Imperial Japanese Naval parachute harness Type 97. This was the most widely used parachute harness during WW2 and is commonly referred to as the 'fighter pilot harness'. Popular with both Naval and Army pilots, it was manufactured in dark green webbing of cotton/silk mix.  This early (pre 1940) harness has a nickel plated steel 'quick-release' box that features a sprung hinged front plate.  When a small flap is lifted the user can squeeze a pair of small levers enabling the front plate to open.  A nickel plated slot on the upper left harness strap was used to attach the rip cord device into position.  The pack (absent) also acted as a seat cushion and could easily be attached/detached via two clips and the 'D' rings on the front of the harness.  The rear of the QR box is marked with a tiny naval anchor.  Large cotton label on one of the seat straps.  This has printed kanji nomenclature indicating the harness type, production serial number, date of manufacture and the manufacturer's details.  This example is a Special Type 97 (type 2) with the serial number 1890366.  It was manufactured by the Fujikura Aircraft Industry Co. Ltd on 14th September 1939. Swipe to reveal. #parachute #parachuteharness #imperialjapanesenavy #imperialjapanesearmy #flying#skydiving #zero #ww2 #1940s #vintageparachute #advent #adventcalendar #christmasgiftsideas #vintage #aviation #flying #pilot #aircrew

Day 20 of Advent and should you need to bail out we can offer you this rare Luftwaffe Back-type Parachute Assembly. Luftwaffe Ruckenfallschirme, Model RH 12B (Fl. 30245). Webbing harness with a quick release (QR) box that the Germans copied from the RAF.  There is also a large waistbelt incorporating the rip-cord release 'D' ring.  The compact khaki coloured pack fitted into a painted aluminium tray that was shaped to rest against the airman's back.  This later model pack is fastened by means of a series of fabric loops held together using a long metal locking pin.  It has the correct QR box with engraved German text reading 'To Release harness : Turn and push'. Text on the side of the box reads 'Gesichert' (Safe) and 'Ensichert' (unlocked). A wide canvas webbing waistbelt carries both the QR box and ripcord housing.  All of the QR box plates have Luftwaffe 'Fl' code markings. Live on the website now. #ww2 #luftwaffe #parachute #skydive #vintageclothing #bailout #1940s #raf #flying #aviation #pilot #aircrew #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany #advent #adventcalendar #christmasgiftideas #parachuteharness

Day 19 of Advent and we have 10 drummers drumming. Well just the one rather fabulous RAF band bass drum. It's large with a 75cm diameter and 38cm depth. Transfer decorated King's crown RAF crest and coat of arms. Genuine animal skins. An impressive display piece. Live on the website now. Swipe to reveal the photos. #raf #drum #drumming #bassdrum #ww2 #rafband #flying #pilot #aviation #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #advent #adventcalendar #christmasgiftideas #drumskin #vintagedrums

Day 18 of Advent and we are offering you a superb Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot (one man dinghy), model A-2. This early production variant had pockets on the floor in which a collapsible baler cup or ' schopfbecher' and sea anchor or 'treibanker' were stored. Normally associated with fighter pilots and now rate to find in this very good inflatable condition. On the website now. Swipe to reveal the photos. #ww2 #luftwaffe #dinghy #rubberdinghy #inflatableboat #survival #survivaldinghy #survivalatsea #raf #pilot #aircrew #advent #adventcalendar #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany #ditched #maewest #1940s #vintageboat #airsearescue

For day 27 of Advent we have an excellent set of Royal Air Force Mk.IVB flying goggles complete with all the spares, helmet plates, rivets and original box. All in great condition and on our website now. That lasted for about 3 minutes before being sold! Swipe to reveal... #raf #ww2 #pilot #aircrew #flyinggoggles #flying #aviation #vintagegoggles #1940s #advent #adventcalendar #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany #christmasgiftideas #fightercommand #bombercommand

Day 16 of Advent and we have this superb Partial Pressure Helmet, Type 12P, Mk. 4G. Size 2. Manufactured by the ML Aviation Company Ltd., White Waltham Aerodrome, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Dating from the early to mid 1960s, the servicing manual states that 'The helmet is designed for use with a partial pressure suit or jerkin effecting survival at high altitude, by means of an automatically closing visor activated by barometric pressure. The helmet also provides crash and blast protection, a separate anti-glare visor, an intercommunication system, a mouth access flap and a ventilation system, if required.' The helmet is manufactured with a tough reinforced polyester fibreglass laminate shell. This MK.4 is also fitted with a rear shell that is hinged from the top of the front shell and provides additional protection. Some internal insulation is provided and the helmet has a transparent moveable visor that seals against the shell when closed. Partial pressurisation is achieved by means of a balaclava-like bag of soft rubber which covers the head from the cheeks to the nape of the neck. A fabric liner, detachable for laundering, is fitted to the inside of the pressure bag. The airman's face fills the aperture in the bag and completes the seal. The rear of the helmet is closed by flexible fabric flaps joined with a heavy duty zip fastener, holding the complete helmet and pressure bag in position on the head. Lacing provides adjustment for differing head sizes and an emergeny release knob is also incorporated. An integral oxygen mask is fitted for use in normal conditions when the visor is open. In an emergency, due to loss of ambient pressure, the visor closes automatically by action of a barometic release. Swipe to reveal. Live on the website now. #raf #bonedome #coldwar #flying #flyinghelmet #1960s #mlaviation #flying #aircrew #pilot #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #partialpressure #advent #christmasgiftsideas #jetage #fastjetpilot #aviation

Day 15 of Advent and we have a nice excellent pair of RAF Mk.VI flying spectacles in their original box. Intended for use when flying over water surfaces and under severe reflected-glare conditions. Scarce. Full details on the website now. #raf #flying #flyinggoggles #aircrew #pilot #coastal command #ww2 #1940s #vintagegoggles #aviation #historicflyingclothingcompany #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #spectacles #advent #adventcalendar #christmasgiftsideas

Day 14 of Advent and we have a very nice electrically wired thermally insulated Irvin flying jacket. The integral wiring is still in place and the plugs on the cuffs are ready to fit RAE gloves. All umbilicals are present though probably replaced/ reinstated. Live on the website now. Swipe to reveal the jacket. #raf #flying #vintageclothing #vintageleatherjacket #irvin #flyingjacket #ww2 #aircrew #pilot #aviation #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany #1940s #royalairforce #royalaircraftestablishment #irvinairchute

Day 13 of Advent and we have a very good pair of RAF 'mosquito' boots. Although intended for ground crew these were quite widely used by aircrew in warmer areas. A drawstring at the top of the leg was incorporated to prevent insects getting in. Rare to find with Air Ministry marks. Manufactured by John White and 1945 dated. Live on the website now! Swipe to reveal. #raf #ww2 #flyingboots #aircrew #pilot #flying #aviation #vintageclothing #vintageboots #vintagefootwear #1940s #airministry #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany

Day 12 of Advent and we have a superb original and ultra rare propaganda game called Plonk. Fabulous artwork on this very early war dart game that is illustrated with leading figures if the time. Hitler's head is at the centre and provides the most points if hit. Full instructions to the rear. Live on our website now! Swipe to reveal. #homefront #ww2 #darts #vintagegames #churchill #chamberlain #ribbentrop #hitler #goerring #propaganda #advent #adventcalendar #christmasgiftsideas #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingcompany