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What would an early RAF WW11 Pilot wear when flying

I am considering having a dummy full size pilot in my replica cockpit but I really don’t have much of a clue about what would be authentic pilot wear around 1939-1940. I don’t want to obtain the incorrect items. I am not a uniform collector but perhaps some experts are on the Forum. I have examined a large number of black and white photographs but this has just confused me. Most of the photos of groups standing are posed and not in ready to fly guise. The “readyness” photos don’t give any consistent view.

I came across this list:-
Blue Grey Uniform
Fleecy lined leather boots
Leather Gauntlets
Silk gloves presumably covered by the gauntlets
Chamois Leather Gloves presumably covered by the gauntlets
Irvin Flying Suit
Fleecy lined Leather Jacket I have seen a few in use but early in the war not that many
Goggles
Mae West life Jacket
Parachute Pack.
It did not mention helmet shirt or tie!

Some clarification of the following would be welcomed
Would an NCO wear Battledress and Officers the longer Jacket type when flying? The sample photo shows 2 NCO’s with a long jacket.
What type/number of Helmet and Goggles would be used?
Would a shirt and tie be worn?
Some people seem to wear a roll top jumper and some a scarf

My conclusion is so far that my “pilot” if an officer, would have had a woollen jumper under his officers jacket (so hiding any shirt or tie) an a Mae West and Parchute harness on top. Leather Gauntlets on his hands and his lower half could just be oniform trousers and black shoes (No-one will see them in any case). The helmet and goggles would need to be the most authentic items as most visible.

Your comments, and suggestions of colour photographs to guide me and/or suppliers of original or replica garb will be most welcome? I will also need to acquire a mannequin that looks like a pilot!!

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By: Edgar Brooks - 11th August 2009 at 22:54

Most pilots seem to agree that stiff collars and ties were ditched, in favour (if possible) of a silk scarf, to lessen the onset of “fighter pilot’s neck,” or soreness caused by continually swivelling the head to look behind. A mirror wasn’t (officially) fitted to the Spitfire until September 1940, although it seems that pilots tended to raid local car showrooms. Some pilots, whose flying dated from before the war, still flew in the original 1930s-vintage white overalls.
Edgar

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By: Niallpatty - 11th August 2009 at 20:07

Another useful website etc.

http://www.alliedflightgear.com/index.html is a good start point.

I recently accquired a FAA second pattern helmet from ebay for 70 odd quid. They are a good lookalike for a type B helmet. Less type Bs available so they will go for a lot more. See the above site for pics (the one shown is in white, I think most are brown).

Also scroll down this link a bit for some pics of Izavailable’s type B helmet reproduction, looks really good. http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=25447&page=4

Check our dummy on this link, he is a bit effeminate looking and only the mask helmet and goggles are authentic.

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=73349&page=8

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