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JIMMY STEWART'S ROUGH WEAR
- Thread starter Grant
- Start date
This is a terrific set of photos of Jimmy's RW A2 Grant. The first image is of him wearing it in the 1948 film, "You Gotta stay Happy". I think the name tag was changed for the film. Grant your pictures are the best I have seen of this iconic A2 and they show that it is completely original and not messed with. I'm still trying to make out the white writing near LT James Stewart on the lining.
unclegrumpy
Well-Known Member
Seeing this thread got my lazy butt in gear.
A year ago September, I visited the USAF Museum in Dayton. However, I was disappointed to find the case that held Jimmy Stewart's A-2 empty. That was something that I had really wanted to see.
The next day I went back to the museum to go on a back room tour...mostly a hanger tour of the restorations that were in progress, and aircraft that were waiting their turns to be worked on. But we also strolled through the artifact restoration/conservation area....and there on a table was Jimmy's A-2!
The restoration/conservation room was like a hospital...very bright and clean. The jacket was on a table under some extremely bright lights. I asked if I could take some pictures, and below are what I took with my iPhone.
None of these photos have been tampered with or adjusted in any way. The color changes are due to the lighting, but these...excepting the last two...are far more accurate color wise than those that have been taken in the jacket's normal dim display location.
And no, I did not try the jacket on. As a matter of fact, I was not allowed to touch it. That was fine, they were very patient with me while I hovered around it taking my pictures.
A year ago September, I visited the USAF Museum in Dayton. However, I was disappointed to find the case that held Jimmy Stewart's A-2 empty. That was something that I had really wanted to see.
The next day I went back to the museum to go on a back room tour...mostly a hanger tour of the restorations that were in progress, and aircraft that were waiting their turns to be worked on. But we also strolled through the artifact restoration/conservation area....and there on a table was Jimmy's A-2!
The restoration/conservation room was like a hospital...very bright and clean. The jacket was on a table under some extremely bright lights. I asked if I could take some pictures, and below are what I took with my iPhone.
None of these photos have been tampered with or adjusted in any way. The color changes are due to the lighting, but these...excepting the last two...are far more accurate color wise than those that have been taken in the jacket's normal dim display location.
And no, I did not try the jacket on. As a matter of fact, I was not allowed to touch it. That was fine, they were very patient with me while I hovered around it taking my pictures.
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unclegrumpy
Well-Known Member
They already had the jacket out of the case, and in the restoration room...I just was lucky to get a special tour and see it. There were a couple of other A-2's in the room, but none that were special. Most were in for conservation related to mold.
I did very quickly see where they store the jackets that are not on display. Most are laid out in flat metal drawers in a special temperature controlled room. They opened a few drawers, but that was about it....really did not see very much.
I did very quickly see where they store the jackets that are not on display. Most are laid out in flat metal drawers in a special temperature controlled room. They opened a few drawers, but that was about it....really did not see very much.
Cobblers161
Well-Known Member
Excellent photos fellas, many thanks indeed!
Where was Jimmy based in the UK, any ideas?
Where was Jimmy based in the UK, any ideas?
In November 1943, when he was a Captain and Operations Officer for the 703rd Bomb Squadron, 445th Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force, he arrived at Tibenham. In March 1944 he was transferred to the 453rd Bombardment Group at Old Buckenham, Norfolk.
Cobblers161
Well-Known Member
Thanks Andrew.
I see the Tibenham airfield is still present but the Old Buckenham has gone, it is still possible to see the layout of the runway though.
I see the Tibenham airfield is still present but the Old Buckenham has gone, it is still possible to see the layout of the runway though.
Grant
Well-Known Member
For those that haven't read it, Jimmy Stewart Bomber Pilot by Starr Smith/ forward by Walter Cronkite is an awesome read.
I'll never forget my first USAF Museum visit many years ago. While standing gawking at Jimmy's jacket, a museum volunteer came up and asked if I was interested in knowing more about Jimmy in WWII. Turns out he was a waist gunner in the 445th BG and served under Jimmy's command. He told some cool stories about what it was like to have him as his commanding officer.
I'll never forget my first USAF Museum visit many years ago. While standing gawking at Jimmy's jacket, a museum volunteer came up and asked if I was interested in knowing more about Jimmy in WWII. Turns out he was a waist gunner in the 445th BG and served under Jimmy's command. He told some cool stories about what it was like to have him as his commanding officer.
