Code: S27476
'RAF Flying Suit, Experimental With Flotation And Sarbe Pockets For Use With Partial Pressure Coverall'. Manufactured specifically for test pilot Wing Commander Henry Cobb DSO, DFC, AFC by P. Frankenstein & Sons Ltd., Manchester. Manufactured in a blue grey linen ventile type fabric it has an integral CO2 gas inflated Mae West and pockets for a SARBE beacon. The suit fastens with a 2-way zip and is fitted with button closure flapped pockets on the left thigh and lower legs, a zipped map pocket on the right thigh, zipped left thigh pocket, arm pen pockets, open side pockets and side entry slits at the waist. Fitted adustable waist belt with black anodised buckle and sewn down epaulettes. There is light soiling at the neck/collar but overall condition is excellent. The Mae West bladder has hardened in places and the inflation cylinder operating head remains in place (no cylinder). The original plastic ACME whistle and lanyard is also present. With manufacturer's labels, one of which is printed with the owner's name and dated October 1962.
Wing Commander Henry James (Jim) Cobb was born in Chelmsford, Essex on 31st May 1922. He was educated at Worthing High School and enlisted in the RAF at the age of 18 to train as a pilot. From September 1941 he flew Wellington bombers with 458 Squadron on operations in Europe, later in the Middle East, Egypt and Malta/the Mediterranean. After completing his first tour he returned to the UK and, after completion of specialist anti-shipping training, joined 524 Squadron flying specially modified Wellington bombers on sorties attacking E-boats and flying anti-submarine patrols off the coast of Northern France. He was awarded the DFC in 1944, followed by the DSO in 1946, the citation for the latter reading 'His record of courage and flying skill have earned him an outstanding reputation, and he sets a magnificent example.' He remained in the RAF postwar joining the Empire Test Pilot's School at Farnborough in 1952 where he joined the Armament and Guided Weapons Flight flying early jet fighters and bombers. Cobb was awarded the AFC for his work as a test pilot. In the late 1950s he was involved with the formation of the Malayan Air Force before returning to the UK as a test pilot at Boscombe and later at Farnborough where he tested pressure suits and helmets for use in V-bombers.
An incredibly rare and probably unique flying suit to a decorated test pilot. Stock code S27476.
