Super original photograph of a 401st Bomb Group USAAF airman.  His flying kit includes a B-3 jacket, A-11 helmet, RAF MKVII flying goggles and RAF issue Observer parachute harness.  The Air Ministry stamp is clearly visible on the riser strap. Remember we are updating the website tonight from 20.00hrs/8pm GMT, adding 186 new items. Check it out if you can. #raf #aaf #luftwaffe #mightyeighth #usaaf #flyingclothing #airmininistry #vintageclothing #1940s #vintagephotos #historicflyingclothingco

We are living in uncertain times and the world is in flux. The advice on Covid-19 given by the government is changing and we are all having to adapt to a new way of living in order to stay safe and protect our NHS and its invaluable staff.  Whilst the high streets are closing, our online operation is not under the same constraints and as a small independent business, we will be attempting to continue as 'normal'. I am therefore delighted to announce that we will be updating the website with new stock this Friday, 27th March from approximately 2000hrs (8pm GMT). You can expect in excess of 170 new items to be added with a wide cross section of kit, equipment and paperwork including photographs, documents and books from a huge collection of AAF 8th / 9th paperwork purchased earlier in the year.  We expect the update to take around 90 minutes to complete (assuming the internet isn't overwhelmed at that time). Please remember that nothing is secured until you have completed the 'checkout'. For speed you may wish to checkout as a 'guest', or log into your account if previously registered, and remember to refresh your browser to view the new stock as it is added.  If you order multiple items, any excess postage paid will be refunded once the orders have been packed. Please be aware that we are currently able to post orders at our local post office and via our preferred couriers but this situation may change.  We normally despatch on a daily basis but in order to reduce potential contact with others, will now be limiting this to twice a week.  Courier collections may also slow down and all orders are likely to take longer to arrive due to these exceptional circumstances.  We will do our best to get your order to you as swiftly as possible but would ask for your patience and understanding.  In the event of all deliveries being suspended we will store your order until it is safe to despatch it.  Whatever happens, we will endeavour to keep you informed and up to date. We hope that the update will be of some interest, provide light relief from the news and help you to maintain and improve your collection from the safety of your own home. Look after yourselves

Original USAAF 9th AAF nose art photo. Shows the aircraft 'Little Gal, a B-26 Martin Marauder, part of the 573rd bomb squadron, 391st bombardment group. One of many great images in an album named to a master sergeant air mechanic. Coming soon to the website... #usaaf #ww2 #noseart #b-26 #vintagephotos #aircraftphoto #armyairforce #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany

Original USAAF 9th AAF nose art photo. Shows the aircraft 'Little Pink Panties', a B-26 Martin Marauder, part of the 573rd bomb squadron, 391st bombardment group. One of many great images in an album named to a master sergeant air mechanic. #usaaf #ww2 #noseart #b-26 #vintagephotos #aircraftphoto #armyairforce #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany

Happy New Year everyone. As you can see Stella, head of security at our HQ, is all party party party.... #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #raf #dogsofinstagram #chocolatelabrador #chocolatelab #labradorretriever #partyhound #flying #newyeardog #historicflyingclothingco #1940s #aviation #luftwaffe #usaaf #aircrew

Merry Christmas everyone. #chocolatelabrador #chocolatelab #flyingdogs #pilot #vintageclothing #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothing #dogsingoggles

It's the final day of advent so we are offering you what is considered to be the 'Holý Grail' by many collectors... RAF 1932 pattern Mae West. Waistcoat, life-saving, inflatable stole type - temperate pattern'. Stores reference 22c/55.  Size medium.  The archetypal Battle of Britain Mae West commonly referred to as the '1932 pattern' due to the year of introduction.  Manufactured using unbleached linen, dyed drab green and rubber proofed on the inside of the parts that contained the inflatable stole . Most of the linen is in excellent and robust condition but there is some fading, fairly minor staining and one small hole on the left side seam. Stencilled with various 'user' instructions to the front lobes.  Complete with functioning original 'D-o-T' zip, buttons and buckled straps.  Interestingly the upper straps are manufactured from a coarser webbing than the lower ones.  This example has not been modified with the addition of leg straps or pockets.  The internal rubber coating is very sound/flexible and not shedding as dust.  Clear Air Ministry label with 1939 date. The Mae West comes fitted with an extremely rare golden yellow kapok filled stole.  This is manufactured from proofed cotton covered in yellow silk.  It contains java kapok pads sealed inside providing extra bouyancy before air is introduced via the inflation tube.  Like the 'standard' 1932 pattern rubber stole, there is no provision for a CO2 bottle.  Although normally associated with the equally rare 'Combined Flying Jacket, Light Webbing Harness And Parachute Equipment (Parasuit), MKIII', this stole has clearly been fitted for a long time.  It is Air Ministry King's crown marked and appears to be good and supple although the silk on the inflation tube is cracking/coming adrift.  These early war Mae Wests are of exceptional rarity and very sought after by collectors.  Available at the time of posting #raf #maewest #battleoffrance #battleofbritain #pilot #Aircrew #flying #aviation #vintageclothing #lifejacket #lifevest #1940s #fighterpilot #ww2 #flightetcommand #thehistoricflyingclothingco.

Stella, our chief security officer and company mascot would like to let you know that our office closes for the Christmas holidays at 5pm this evening (because she wants her tea and a walk) and reopens at 9am Monday 6th January 2020. She'd also like you to believe that her behaviour is always exemplary.... #dogs #christmasdogsofinstagram #christmaddogs #flyingdogs #dogsinflyingclothing #flyinghelmet #chocolatelab #labradorretriever #santadog #dogsingoggles #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #1940s #vintageclothing #flyinggoggles #chocolatelabrador #raf #rafdog #pilot #pilotdog #aircrew #aircrewdog ww2 #vintagedog

For the 23rd day of Advent we offer you this Luftwaffe flying jacket. Privately purchased flying jacket manufactured in soft brown hide. Typical 'Hartman' style short waisted design with full length front zip fastener and angled zip pockets at the chest and buttoned flapped pockets at the midriff.  Buttoned cuffs and small straps on each side at the waist.  It would originally have had a small buckle at the centre of the waistband, now absent.  Mid grey sateen weave brushed cotton lining with striped ticking lined sleeves.  No internal pockets. Fitted with silver bullion major rank shoulder boards via 'field tailored' leather loops. Stitched cotton loops on the right breast with a superb Assman pin-backed cast alloy Luftwaffe eagle.  Unlabelled but probably of French manufacture.  A lovely jacket, typical of the many privately purchased jackets so popular in the earlier stages of the war.  Superb display piece. Available at the time of posting. Now reserved. #ww2 #luftwaffe #1940s #vintageleatherjacket #vintageleather #pilot #flyingclothing #flying #Aircrew #battleoffrance #battleofbritain #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingco #advent #adventcalendar

Counting down the time until Christmas this 22nd day of Advent with this superb RAF mantle clock. Stores reference 21B/654. 'Clock, bracket, large, mahogany case'. Approximately 47 x 33 x 17.5cm.  Generally referred to as a "Sergeants' Mess" mantle clock although these were originally intended for use in the officers' mess.  High quality solid mahogany 'flat topped' case with large rear access door.  This rare clock has an early single fusee movement manufactured by S. Davall & Sons of Goswell Road, London in 1929.  It has a 20cm/8" silvered convex dial with engraved Roman numerals and rarely found beautiful early King's crown RAF winged crest infilled with black wax.  Cast brass bezel with convex glass and push button release. The case is in very good overall condition bar a few minor blemishes/knocks and variable patina.  It is clearly marked on the base with a King George V cypher, manufacturer's details and 1929 date (see photographs). As usual with Davall movements, it is unsigned/dated. Davall RAF clocks are very rarely found as it seems that they were only commissioned to manufacture them during 1929.  Only four others are recorded, one being a wall clock, the others being the small mantle clock.  This is a large imposing clock that really make a statement in a room and sounds great too. Available at the time of posting. Sold within 30 minutes! #raf #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #ww2 #interwar #vintageclock #wardepartment #rafstation #flying #aviation #fuseeclock #1920s #1940s #royalairforce #airmininistry

Get plotting your route Santa. For day 21 of Advent we offer you this Incredibly rare 'Raid Block' as used in RAF filter and Sector Operations rooms during the Battle of Britain and beyond to display important information relating to an enemy raid.  When details of aircraft were received at Group Filter room level it was interpreted on a map table using plotting 'counters' in the form of coloured arrows, discs and shields. Arrows indicated aircraft seen over land by Observers or over sea by radiolocation.  Shields indicated aircraft heard over land or sea by Observers and discs indicated circling aircraft.  The colour of the plotting pieces related directly to those on the Sector clock such that information was updated every 5 minutes.  The raid block itself was normally positioned at the head of the plotting path and provided additional information such as strength, height and whether the aircraft were 'hostile', 'friendly' or 'unkown'. Both wood and metal blocks were used during the war (as illustrated in a 1942 dated Secret Air Defence Pamphlet). This block is made of alloy and stands approximately 9cm tall x 5cm wide x 5cm deep with integral 'rails' on which the plastic letters and numbers can be placed.  Other information could be added to the block in the form of plotting pieces on metal 'stalks'. Please note that you are buying the raid block alone,  the letters/numbers are not included and are shown for illustrative purposes only.  Also note that the block lacks one of the four rails (2nd from the bottom up) but is otherwise in excellent condition.  This is the last time we are able to offer a raid block for the forseable future.  A fantastic opportunity to create a small Operations room display. Available at the time of posting. Now sold. #raf #ww2 #battleofbritain #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #flying #aviation #opsroom #pilot #fightercommand #1940s #royalairforce #observercorps

If Santa's big operational sortie goes awry he may need one of these. For the 30th day of Advent we offer this RCAF escape & evasion compass button - rare small size Royal Canadian Air Force service dress tunic button by J.R. Gaunt & Sons of London. Developed by escape and evasion genius Christopher Clayton Hutton at MI9, this looks like a standard 18mm diameter pocket sized brass button but the back can be unscrewed to reveal a carefully concealed 0.25" compass.  This example has a reverse thread (unscrews when turned to the right). Virtually undetectable in normal use with an incredibly fine thread these buttons really are a work of art.  The compass housed within is half the size of a standard 0.5" escape and evasion compass. The rear attachment loop on the button is slighty bent otherwise in very good used condition.  A superb rare item. Available at the time of posting. Now sold. #adventcalendar #advent #escapecompass #escapeandevasion #raf #rcaf #mi9 #claytonhutton #aircrew #flying #pilot #ww2 #thehistoricflyingclothingco #reneactor #vintagecompass #greatescape

On the 19th day of Advent we offer you this extremely rare service dress uniform to Air Vice Marshall James Edgar 'Johnnie' Johnson C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O.(Two Bars), D.F.C. & Bar, D.L., Legion of Merit (U.S.A.), D.F.C. (U.S.A.), Air Medal (U.S.A.), Order of Leopold (Belgium), Croix De Guerre (Belgium), Croix De Guerre (France). His first victory, a Messerschmitt BF109, came on 26th June 1941 followed by two more in July and a further two on September 21st.  In the summer of 1942 he was appointed Commanding Officer of 610 (County of Chester) Squadron at Ludham.  During his time there he shot down a Focke Wulf 190 in August with a 'probable' in February 1943.  Johnson was promoted to Wing Commander and posted to RAF Kenley to lead the Canadian Spitfire Wing there.  Between April and September he shot down a staggering ten FW190s, shared another, shot down four Messerschmitt BF109s, shared a further three and also shared a Messerschmitt Bf110, raising his personal total to 25 enemy aircraft.  He had a short break from operational flying and was posted to the planning staff at 11 Group, returning in March 1944 to lead 144 Canadian Squadron Wing at RAF Digby, leading them on four sorties over the beaches on D-Day.  He scored his 38th and final victory in September 1944. Here we are offering one of Johnnie Johnson's last uniforms with the rank of Air Vice Marshall, probably tailored for him post retirement for when he attended functions and events. The matched tunic and trousers are tailored by Moss Bros. of Covent Garden and named to him.  The tunic has padded Queen's crown pilot wings, AVM rank lace on the cuffs and medal ribbons. With this comes his Air Rank cap, manufactured by Bates and complete with original box addressed to him at RAF Feltwell.  This is an older piece than the tunic/trousers and probably dates from the 1960s.  The provenance for these items is solid.  They were originally obtained by the late Chris John who was an avid collector of RAF flying kit and come with with letters from Johnson to John referring directly to them. A rare chance to own a uniform of the highest scoring allied flighter pilot of WW2. #raf #johnniejohnson #spitfirepilot #ace

Grab the red cross parcel and get digging that tunnel this 18th day of Advent as we offer you this original painted POW camp sign.  It measures approximately 60cm wide x 22cm in height and is made from relatively thin ply mounted with large bolts and square nuts to a sectiooiiollk'kkk'n of the original post.  The handpainted design ki Illinois?ll-in you modified arrow with Prince of Wales type feathers qon the left and lettering to the right.q look  Interestingly kthe camp number has been changed at some point from 87 to ll-in’I'in on a24.  Unfortunately there is little information about British POW camps and we have been unable to establish exactly where this came from.  PoW camp No.24 was  at the No.4 General Hospital (Military), Knutsford, Cheshire and presumably used as a secure hospital for injured prisoners.  There was also a camp No.24 at the remote locaton of Knapdale, Lochgilphead, Argyll in Scotland.  No.87 'Byfleet Camp' was a standard camp situated South West of Daventry in Northamptonshire that held mainly Italian prisoners. The sign is very worn and the paintwork is crackled & blistered but remains quite good with strong colour.  There is evidence of splitting in the wood and old glued repairs but this isn't too obvious and doesn't detract much.  Both bolts are rusted and the nuts are curlrently siezed. A superb rare display piece. Available on the website at the time of posting. And now sold after just 5 minutes! #prisonerofwar #pow #greatescape #ww2 #vintagesign #raf #Britishforce #thehistoricflyingclothingco #woodenhorse #colditz #theonethatgotaway #thegreatescape

See clearly when sleigh riding this 17th day of Advent with this pair of RAF Mk.IIIA flying goggles Stores reference 22c/62.  One of the classic 'Battle of Britain' pattern goggles.  The frame is in excellent overall condition with only very light rubbing on exposed surfaces.  All frame screws are original and both vent 'horns' and hinge stops are present.  The velvet backing is beautifully clean and the nosepiece leather is equally good. The original clear lenses have light surface scratches/scuffing but display very well.  The strap springs all appear to be complete and the leather strap section is very good with clear A.M. marks, reference numbers and 1939 date code. An excellent pair of goggles. Live on the website now and available at the time of posting. Sorry, now sold. #raf #ww2 #flying #aviation #battleofbritain #flyinggoggles #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingco #1940s#vintageclothing #advent #adventcalendar #pilot #reenactment #thefew #fightercommand #bombercommand

For day 15 of Advent we are offering this RAF / SOE / OSS escape survival tool. Blued steel spike approximately 12cm in length and 4mm diameter.  The upper 5cm or so is cylindrical but the blade section is of concave triangular form.  A couple of tiny holes in the top section allow twine to be tied to the blade which enabled the user to bind the blade to a makeshift handle for use.  These blades were developed by Christopher Clayton Hutton at MI9 for use by the SOE, OSS, MI6, resistance groups and aircrew for use as a lethal weapon.  They were also sent to POW camps hidden inside parcels for use during escape attempts.  The blade was  easily hidden about the body but many were concealed within such things as dip-pens, pencils and the like, only to be revealed when needed. This example is in excellent condition, still wrapped in the original binding twine.  The ink dip-pen is shown for size comparison only and is not included in the sale. Available on the website at the time of posting. Sold within 2 minutes ! #ww2 #raf #oss #soe #escapeandevasion #specialoperationsexecutive #mi9 #claytonhutton #clandestinewarfare #aviation #aircrew #1940s #pow #pilot #flying #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingco

Superb black and white image of Group Captain James Edgar 'Johnnie' Johnson C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O.(Two Bars), D.F.C. & Bar, D.L., Legion of Merit (U.S.A.), D.F.C. (U.S.A.), Air Medal (U.S.A.), Order of Leopold (Belgium), Croix De Guerre (Belgium), Croix De Guerre (France). He was born in Loughborough, Leicestershire on March 9th 1915 and when a schoolboy, was inspired to be a RAF fighter pilot by the WW1 Aces such as Albert Ball, William Bishop, Edward Mannock, James McCuddon, Von Richthofen and the like.  He attended Nottingham University and joined the RAFVR undertaking some flight training at No.21 Elementary & Reserve FTS before the outbreak of war when he entered full-time service.  Johnson's initial training took place at 22 E.F.T.S. (Cambridge) with further training at 5 F.T.S. before being posted to No.7 Operational Training Unit, Hawarden in August 1940.  By the end of the month he was flying with 19 Squadron before a move to 616 Squadron, Kenley in early September.  At this point he had just 12 hours flying time on Spitfire April and September he shot down a staggering ten FW190s, shared another, shot down four Me BF109s, shared a further three and also shared a Me Bf110, raising his pesonal total to 25 enemy aircraft.  He had a short break from operational flying and was posted to the planning staff at 11 Group, returning in March 1944 to lead 144 Canadian Squadron Wing at RAF Digby, leading them on four sorties over the beaches on D-Day.  He scored his 38th and final victory in September 1944.  Early in 1945 he was promoted to Group Captain and appointed commanding officer of 125 Wing, equipped with the newly introduced Mk.XIV Spitfire flying out of captured Luftwaffe airbases. Johnnie Johnson ended the war as the top scoring allied fighter pilot with 38 confirmed victories.  He died in January 2001. The photo is accompanied with a handwritten signed letter.  #1940s #raf #fighterpilot #ace #vintagephotos #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #flying #pilot #aviation #ww2

If you want to get ahead, get a hat. Our offering for the 15th day of Advent might just fit the bill.... RAF service dress cap - AFC history By Hobson & Sons London Ltd.  Size 73/8.  What appears to be a pre-WW2 pattern officer rank peaked cap in excellent clean condition.  There are just a few very small moth nips (not holes) but these really do not detract (see photographs). Very good narrow leather chinstrap, mohair band and badge.  Excellent peak with typical green leather underside showing little sign of handing or use.  Deep blue-grey satin lining with faded manufacturer's logo at the crown.  Good inner leather band with size details, War Department marks and date code for 1945 which is  surprisingly late given the pattern and leather underpeak.  This belonged to Wing Commander F.W.J. Paddon AFC.  He began flying training with the RAF in 1929 on the AVRO Lynx qualifying for his wings in May 1930 at No.2 F.T.S. Digby as an 'above the average pilot but over confident and apt tp take needless risks'. He then flew with 100 squadron on the Hawker Horsley on Torpedo bombing training with the School of Naval Co-Operation.  He later flew throughout the war as an instructor on Avro Tutors, Cadets, Majesters, Harvards, Oxfords, Blenheims & Beauforts. He continued as an instructor after the war on Wellingtons and Meteor jets.  His last flights were in 1954 on Balliols & Chipmunks.  Purchased a few years ago directly from his family.  An excellent example in a very good size and with history. On the website now and available at the time of posting. #raf #ww2 #vintageclothing #vintagecap #vintageuniform #1940s #reenactment #royalairforce #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingco #pilot #aircrew #aviation #flying #advent #adventcalendar #wardepartment #wingcommander #airforcecross #afc

Pass safely through the Christmas crowds on the 14th day of Advent with this RAF blood chit. Double sided rayon blood chit, approximately 24 x 17.5cm.  Printed in red, blue and black ink on two separate pieces of rayon stitched together back to back with a neat stitched edge.  For use by British aircrews flying missions over Soviet controlled regions.  Printed to the front with a large Union flag plus wording in Russian asking that the holders' details be passed to the British Military Mission in Moscow.  The reverse side has a smaller flag and similar information along with detailed instructions for use.  This scarce chit comes with the extremely rare plastic acetate pouch/sleeve (approximately 11 x 13cm) designed to hold the blood chit such that the allied flag could easily be seen. This has a black rubberized 'tongue' with a cotton neck tape attached.  The pouch could also be attached over a service dress or battledress button.  The pouch has yellowed a bit and there is some warping but no loss or damage.  The actual chit is superb and could not be upgraded.  A vital safety 'pass' for British airmen and a very nice survival item. Live on the website now and available at the time of posting. #raf #ww2 #gooliechit #ghooliechit #bloodchit #escapeandevasion #safeconductpass #aviation #aircrew #pilot #flying #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingco #advent #adventcalendar #reenactment #royalairforce #britishforces

Unlucky for some but on this Friday 13th day of Advent we offer you this superb RAF coffee pot. By Solian Ware (Soho Pottery Ltd., Cobridge, Staffordshire). Scarce white ceramic coffee pot approximately 19cm tall x 11.5cm diameter  x 20cm from handle to spout.  Lovely clear King's crown R.A.F. crest in blue to one side. The rim of the pot has a gilt edged dark blue band with matching band at the 'shoulder'. Gilt decoration to handle and spout.  Matching lid with RAF crest and gilding.  The pot shows only light wear and overall condition is excellent. There is minor wear to the guilding but no cracking, crazing or chips and the glaze remains very good.  Just the thing to go with your RAF coffee cans.  The first example we've had.  A lovely rare item.  Available at the time of posting. Now sold. #raf #royalairforce #vintagechina #1940s #officersmess #thehistoricflyingclothingcompany #historicflyingclothingco #flying #aviation #pilot #ww2 #advent #adventcalendar #reenactment