coalman
Active Member
Hello all,
Have been reading over the past few months about how much investment went into flying clothing by the US Goverment from 1939 to 1945, with so many different changes through out that period, so many different jackets ranging from sheepskin B3's, A2 leather jackets to B10/B15 cloth jackets to name a few
Not only the jackets but so many different flying helmets, different gloves, numerous differnet types of flying boots, heated flying suits, unheated flying overalls, caps, hats and goggles.
All the reading I have done plus research on the internet shows to me that the US goverment invested so much more time and effort into making sure the aircrew were well equipped, researching into use of different materials to replace the shortage of horse leather(A2's) an sheepskins (B3's/B6's and the groundcrew D jacket.
Compare that with what the RAF crews only had- 1939 t0 1945 they only had one flying jacket the Irvin, prewar white or blue flying overalls, sidcot suit from 1941, only 5 types of flying boots inc tropical boots.
Just seems to me that the RAF did not bother to do the same for thier own crews, I have even seen reports that US fighter pilots wore anti G trousers which looked so much like the type todays pilots wear yet never have seen any mention of RAF pilots wearing them.
I am correct to assume that the RAF did not feel that it was worth it or what?
I have seen so many photos of US airman wearing RAF flying clothing such as boots and flying helmets/goggles so some must have thought the quality was better?
Looking forward to reading other members thoughts/experiences
John
Have been reading over the past few months about how much investment went into flying clothing by the US Goverment from 1939 to 1945, with so many different changes through out that period, so many different jackets ranging from sheepskin B3's, A2 leather jackets to B10/B15 cloth jackets to name a few
Not only the jackets but so many different flying helmets, different gloves, numerous differnet types of flying boots, heated flying suits, unheated flying overalls, caps, hats and goggles.
All the reading I have done plus research on the internet shows to me that the US goverment invested so much more time and effort into making sure the aircrew were well equipped, researching into use of different materials to replace the shortage of horse leather(A2's) an sheepskins (B3's/B6's and the groundcrew D jacket.
Compare that with what the RAF crews only had- 1939 t0 1945 they only had one flying jacket the Irvin, prewar white or blue flying overalls, sidcot suit from 1941, only 5 types of flying boots inc tropical boots.
Just seems to me that the RAF did not bother to do the same for thier own crews, I have even seen reports that US fighter pilots wore anti G trousers which looked so much like the type todays pilots wear yet never have seen any mention of RAF pilots wearing them.
I am correct to assume that the RAF did not feel that it was worth it or what?
I have seen so many photos of US airman wearing RAF flying clothing such as boots and flying helmets/goggles so some must have thought the quality was better?
Looking forward to reading other members thoughts/experiences
John