A few civilian A-2s in the USAAF

[bombs away]

Hi Gents,

I really enjoy finding those jackets when looking at wartime pictures !

(back row, second from left)

Tim.

 

[zoomer]

At least 2 of these pix were taken in the B-10/B-15 era, meaning the A-2 was no longer being procured in any great quantity, and the issued version was getting very scarce in-theater. Obviously those who did not like the cloth jackets opted for whatever leather jacket they could get.

The button-front, snap-bottom A-2 in the first pic was likely an in-theater modification where a zipper failed and no new ones could be had. (Do you think his jacket had the knit cuffs turned under, or were they just taken off? Gunners, especially, did not always keep the cuffs because they bound the arms when extended.)

The jacket in the second pic is of course an AN-J-3, but yes, all such jackets in the AAF were privately purchased as the Army never let a contract for them.

 

[mazeta]

This one is still one of my favorite 'civilian' examples. From the LW website.

http://www.lostworldsinc.com/Northeaste ... Jacket.htm

 

[Peter Graham]

I love the jacket in the last pic. Much nicer look and cut than the A-2. Compare it to the jackets around it.

 

[asiamiles]

I love the jacket in the last pic. Much nicer look and cut than the A-2. Compare it to the jackets around it.

I agree, Peter. And in the photo above it those 2 (vaguely A-1ish) button front leather jackets (possibly of English origin?) look much nicer too. Makes you think about the cult of the A-2 that many of us share.

 

[Andrew]

I love the jacket in the last pic. ....

He is one cool looking Dude.

 

[dujardin]

hello Tim,

many thanks for those splendid photos...
here follow my little participation to your post

byeeeeeeee marcel

 

[EMBLEMHUNTER]

in the first two photos of crews, the man in first photo far top left has a 91st Bomb Group patch on jacket,men in second photo wearing patch on jackets is the 325th Bomb Squadron "Alley Oop" riding Sabre tooth Tiger 92nd Bomb Group.