Irvin in the USAAF

[bombs away]

Hi Gents,

Just have a look at this picture of a USAAF officer wearing a nice Irvin.
This jacket seems really comfortable !
Of course, the A-2 would be great in my collection too

And look at all those F-1 heated suits, I'm looking for such blue bunny suits for a long time now ( if someone has one taking the dust... ), I'd just like to pick up just one without being seen.

Tim

 

[Roughwear]

The electrically wired Irvin appears brand new. It dates from around 1943-4. I wonder whether he was issued it or got it through a swop? It is the position he is standing in, but the sleeves seem a little short.

 

[Lignemaginot]

The electrically wired Irvin appears brand new. It dates from around 1943-4. I wonder whether he was issued it or got it through a swop? It is the position he is standing in, but the sleeves seem a little short.

The writing at the bottom of the photo helps with the dating (at least of the photo, if not the jacket) - Dec 17 '43.

 

[Roughwear]

The electrically wired Irvin appears brand new. It dates from around 1943-4. I wonder whether he was issued it or got it through a swop? It is the position he is standing in, but the sleeves seem a little short.

The writing at the bottom of the photo helps with the dating (at least of the photo, if not the jacket) - Dec 17 '43.

Thanks for the info about the date, which I missed! It would appear to be 1943 issue, which is spot on for the construction of the jacket.

 

[Tim P]

My blue bunny is a 46. It did not come cheap and I am getting ready to renovate it from borderline relic condition.

 

[Swing]

When I saw this thread title I was prepared for "Where Irvins used by the USAAF?", and was ready to respond that "Yes, they were, and I've seen them used more by the 381st BG than any other unit". Of course, the photo you posted was from the 381st. Thanks for sharing!

~Swing

 

[Chandler]

I wonder whether he was issued it or got it through a swop?

Probably winnings in a poker game.

Chandler

 

[C.J.]

I would think some of the pilots from the early 4thFG would have had Irvins, as well. That's what they would have been issued when flying with the Eagle Squadrons before being transfered back to the 8th AF, right?

 

[Roughwear]

I would think some of the pilots from the early 4thFG would have had Irvins, as well. That's what they would have been issued when flying with the Eagle Squadrons before being transfered back to the 8th AF, right?

This is true, but this one is electrically wired and they were issued to bomber crew, where they could be plugged into the bomber's electrics.

 

[Tim P]

I think all RAF aircraft adn USAAF B-17's worked off a 24 volt supply. the simple expedient of switching connectors would render any piece of equipment interchangeable.

 

[bombs away]

As to answer to Swing who said that most of the Irvin he knows in the USAAF were from the 381st BG, here are other pics form the 381st BG :

Tim