The markIV goggles were the first of the series and had hinged windows to allow them to be changed. The were heavy to wear in high g flying. To combat this the mkIVA was introduced which was made of bakelite with one peice lenses similar to those used in all other flying goggles from there on, they were only slightly lighter and very fragile not many have survived. The final variant was the MkIVb made of brass again with the one piece lense, they were also issued with adaptor plates to attach to the helmet to support a little of the weight. The other goggles used were markIII and markIIIa both had curved celluliod lenses but the earler mark had a thick padded surrond as they date from the time of open cockpits. They distorted vision so were not popular though the phoygraphic evidence seems to suggest they were the most used marks. There was also the MKII in use which had the teardrop flat tripples lenses these dated back to designs used in the great war. I have MKIV, MKIVb MKIII and MKIIIa if you wnt me to send you some pics?

Could the nationallity of the pilot be determined by the parachute?

Aeronut it is a British parachute, the text on the “bash box” is in English. When I first got my print I thought it might have been German until I relaised I was trying to read it upside down as the text is orinentated to be read by the wearer of the harness so is upside down to the viewer!

Okay not a lot to add, in fact nothing you do not already know Andy! But for the sake of it the caption on the back of mine reads:

TRYING IT OUT: When a pilot baled out in the south-east coast district he left his parachute these youngsters were interested and immediately began to “try it out” FOX Sept 5th.40

I also have another print which is stamped up to a Santa-Monica press agency which just says “trying it on for size”

On a side note had a RAF pilot returned to base without his parachute would he not have been charged for its loss? I doubt that the pilot “left his parachute” behind for children to play with!

JDH

Hi Bertieboy,

sounds like an interesting project you are working on. I hope the same level of attention to detail taken over the correct Mk aircraft will be put into the flying kit worn by your actors, it is very jarring to see BoB period represented when the aircrew are wearing late war flying clothing. I am happy to advise on what would be suitable for the period if you are unsure.

Jb

new it would’nt last long, still would not be surprised to see it offeredfor sale in the the Old Town. I’ll go and have a look tomorrow.

The description is wrong but an interesting photo all the same. I have not seen this variation of a Lanc test bed before, and are those Norwegian markings it carries?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WWII-RAF-Photograph-RD16-/151213265500?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item233503525c

The new series of Dr Who are fun to watch as an aviation spotter as quite a lot is there. Obvious one is the P10 compass on the console of the Tardis see first picture here: http://www.currybet.net/cbet_blog/2009/03/currybets-law—5-reasons-why.php In some shots the top looks worryingly loose on it, I wonder if it was cleaned of radium? I have noticed lots of other bits whilst watching but of course cannot bring anything to mind! Though my thing is RAF clothing so I tend to notice that more. Obviously there was “Captain” Jack Harkness with his Group Captain’s greatcoat (so surely that should be “Group” Jack Harkness?) Which skyrocketed the price of RAF greatcoats, even postwar OA coats! There are other bits of flying kit though such as Brannigan the cat creature played by ‎Ardal O’Hanlon that wears an Irvin flying suit RAF, 41 pattern boots, post war (civilian) Mk8 goggles and an A-11 American flying helmet.