Code: G29155
Stores reference 22c/62. One of the classic 'Battle of Britain' pattern goggles. The frame has very light rubbing on exposed surfaces but is in excellent overall condition. All frame screws are original, the centre hinge is excellent and both vent 'horns' and hinge stop are present. The velvet backing and nosepiece leather are also excellent. Light scuffing and scratches to the original lenses but they display well. Excellent strap springs and very good leather strap with embossed Air Ministry King's crown, stores reference markings and '37 date code. A.I.D and original owner's name 'A.M. Gill' marked to the reverse. They belonged to Wing Commander Arthur Gill DFC. Born in London in 1916, Gill joined the RAFVR in 1937 and was called to service at the outbreak of war. Following completion of training he flew as an instructor in South Africa before joining 84 Squadron in 1941, based at Habbanya, Libya, flying Bristol Blenheims. The squadron soon moved to the Western Desert undertaking sorties there before another move to the Far East as a result of the Japanese attacks on Malaya and Singapore. Arriving just as Singapore was about to fall, the squadron diverted to Sumatra where Gill wrecked his aircraft on landing thanks to cratered runways. Soon after they were ordered to evacuate and moved to Java. From there the squadron moved to India and was re-equipped with Vultee Vengeance dive bombers. From here Gill led highly accurate attacks against the Japanese such that his squadron were in constant demand, leading attacks in support of the British 14th Army and Orde Wingate's Chindit Special Forces group. He led 1476 operational sorties (& completed more than that). Gill was awarded the DFC during the war and following a stint with the Air Staff in Egypt and Cyprus after the war, the OBE. He retired in 1971 and died at the age of 100 on March 4th 2016. Widely thought of as Britain's finest dive bomber pilot. A very good '+' pair of increasingly scarce goggles. Stock code G29155.
