Aero A-2

[Grant]

Nothing fancy about this photos, just a cool fit of what looks like an Aero.

 

[Roughwear]

Very nice Aero with berry knits too I suspect. Penultimate or last Aero contract from 1942.

 

[Grant]

I'd bet you're right, the darker shade of grey indicates a reddish color.

 

[Smithy]

Who's the bloke Grant?

 

[Grant]

Capt. Hal Zielinski, Senior Flight Control Officer. Raydon, Suffolk

 

[Smithy]

Thanks Grant, I'm one of those funny ones who always likes a name to a face.

 

[2BM2K]

Raydon was the home of 353rd FG. Until modern times the site was owned by the MOD and as such much of
the infrastrucure is still there.

Although the control tower is long gone it is probably one of the most complete WW2 FG airfields left.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.013598,1.0060578,1720m/data=!3m1!1e3

 

[Grant]

A-26 crew with the pilot appearing to be wearing another Aero.

 

[Pilot]

Thx to all of you, great pics gents!

 

[Lorenzo_l]

A-26 crew with the pilot appearing to be wearing another Aero.

Great pictures, thanks for posting Grant. Apart from the square-cornered pockets, how you can you tell that that's an Aero? Are there any other obvious giveaways?

 

[Grant]

Hey Lorenzol, the pocket flap shape, lack of a collar stand and the square cornered pocket all point to an Aero. That being said, it's just an educated guess!

 

[Lorenzo_l]

Hey Lorenzol, the pocket flap shape, lack of a collar stand and the square cornered pocket all point to an Aero. That being said, it's just an educated guess!

Thanks Grant. Much appreciated.

 

[Smithy]

Another interesting little thing that this photo demonstrates well is sleeve length - look at the difference in this with the two jackets here.

 

[taikonaut]

Owning an original Aero myself and seeing photos elsewhere they seem to have a more generous body than other makes. It has a more macho "pidgeon chest" appearance. Not sure if Aero is the choice of senior rank but mine belong to a Major.

In my opinion the best look achieve wearing an original WW2 Aero is having the jacket zipped up like on these photos. Other A2s generally look best unzipped.

 

[jeremiah]

I guess.
I probably should care more but I wear my aero because I like it. I don’t wear it to be stylish or look good.

 

[Micawber]

Owning an original Aero myself and seeing photos elsewhere they seem to have a more generous body than other makes. It has a more macho "pidgeon chest" appearance. Not sure if Aero is the choice of senior rank but mine belong to a Major.

In my opinion the best look achieve wearing an original WW2 Aero is having the jacket zipped up like on these photos. Other A2s generally look best unzipped.

Unless you were very senior rank I think you had to put up with whatever the QM had on the rails that fit you within the realms of acceptability. Choice of contracts never came into it. You know I met, interviewed and spent a lot of time with many, many USAAF veterans of all ranks in years past but very few indicated that issuing of gear was anything but a routine and sometimes boring affair. They were more concerned with getting on and getting the job done. The kudos surrounding A-2's passed many, many by.

 

[Spitfireace]

Ya.. you a 38 here ya go! Or you a 42

 

[taikonaut]

Unless you were very senior rank I think you had to put up with whatever the QM had on the rails that fit you within the realms of acceptability. Choice of contracts never came into it. You know I met, interviewed and spent a lot of time with many, many USAAF veterans of all ranks in years past but very few indicated that issuing of gear was anything but a routine and sometimes boring affair. They were more concerned with getting on and getting the job done. The kudos surrounding A-2's passed many, many by.

Unless the more senior rank has first dip or the QM allocate based on rank? I seldom see period photos of A2s worn by senior rank that are too small.
Not sure about USAAF but the RAF during WW2 senior ranks had uniforms with different cut made by bespoke tailors.

 

[Micawber]

I imagine higher senior officer ranks could pick and choose to a degree - if they were of a mind to do so - but I doubt they went "shopping" in the QM stores for a particular fit based on contract.

Indeed private purchase garments were just that, non issue items that were privately purchased.

 

[Spitfireace]

A-26 crew with the pilot appearing to be wearing another Aero.

View attachment 4342

Guy on the left sleeves too short, guy on the far right, A-2 too baggy looking.