Lots of TANKER JACKETS, 416th Bomb Group, 9th AF

[ausreenactor]

I have to admit i’m not a huge fan of the massive long bi-swing back - though i see its’s practicality.
I’d have thought swapping something as iconic as an A-2 that probably (?) cost more to produce than a cloth jacket would be a step down.
My point was who on this forum would trade an A-2 for a tanker jacket ? I’ll happily spend £85 on a tanker if anyone is up for swapping their ELC or GW

Once it leaves the factory that Bi-swing is never the same again.

Some original Tankers are fetching A-2 prices on eBay... Will swap a DD/GW Bronco for an original Tanker?

 

[Officer Dibley]

Your now talking apples & oranges so appear to have missed my point. Obviously i’d rather have an original tanker over any repro A-2.

Personally i’d still rather have an original A-2 over an original tanker or an ELC/GW repro A-2 over a BR tanker but that’s just me.
I was just asking why a pilot if they were issued and A-2, would swap for a tanker. Or a tankie would want an A-2. The A-2 is of no use to a tankie or infantryman.

Anyone got pics of a pilot on leave in London wearing a tanker jacket ?

 

[269sqnhudson]

Not sure they necessarily swapped them. The pilots of the 20th, 55th, 31st at least definitely wore both concurrently, the Tankers primarily being worn as flight gear during early 1944, the A2s often being seen in shots taken around base etc.

 

[269sqnhudson]

 

[269sqnhudson]

A personal favourite from the 368th Fighter Group Association page. Nice British made 9th AF patch on the left shoulder!

368thfightergroup.com

 

[Brettafett]

I LOVE that A-2!!!!!!1

 

[ausreenactor]

PanzerDusters... There are some good recent tributes... Have to find my pics..

 

[Cocker]

Who would willingly trade their A-2 for a tanker jacket ? Was there that much difference in warmth ? The tanker was hardly windproof

Plenty more warmth! The A-2 is just a windbreaker, won't keep you warm in a frozen cockpit at 30.000ft. The tanker has a heavy wool blanket lining and is somewhat akin to the B-10 in terms of warmth.

 

[Grant]

Elton kept his A-2, but he said it was useless flying in the colder months. I miss talking to him about what it was like flying the Jug and his roll as one of the ground attack fighter bomber boys.. He always thought I was a freak wanting to know about flight jackets! One thing he never mentioned and I didn't find out until after he died were his awards: Air Medal with 13 oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying and Cross and Purple Heart. Truly one of the greatest generation.

 

[ausreenactor]

Holy crap. 280 missions to clock up that Air Medal cred.

 

[269sqnhudson]

Your now talking apples & oranges so appear to have missed my point. Obviously i’d rather have an original tanker over any repro A-2.

Personally i’d still rather have an original A-2 over an original tanker or an ELC/GW repro A-2 over a BR tanker but that’s just me.
I was just asking why a pilot if they were issued and A-2, would swap for a tanker. Or a tankie would want an A-2. The A-2 is of no use to a tankie or infantryman.

Anyone got pics of a pilot on leave in London wearing a tanker jacket ?

Not London but Chartres Cathedral. Off-base anyhow!

 

[Brettafett]

Theres a nice Tanker on Ebay at the mo. 46

 

[ausreenactor]

Theres a nice Tanker on Ebay at the mo. 46

Original?

 

[Brettafett]

Real McCoy I think....

 

[ausreenactor]

Have three BNWT BRs in bags at home.. First and Second patterns.

 

[269sqnhudson]

Have three BNWT BRs in bags at home.. First and Second patterns.

I've got 2 BNWT BRs, from the 2018 run. they change quite a bit between years and I'll be angling for a third this autumn when they come in at from ELC.

 

[ausreenactor]

Patched a second pattern with a 2nd Armored Div patch to use as a beater for this year's AusArmourFest. First time I have had the guts to throw a BR around a dirty, dusty paddock.. Well that's the plan.. at this stage.

 

[B-Man2]

View attachment 21521View attachment 21522View attachment 21524

Is the pilot in the second photo wearing a tanker over his A2? Looks like the case but not sure.

 

[CBI]

I love my Good Wear Tanker John made for me. It's one of only three or four he has ever made.

In re trading a Tanker for an A-2........have both!

 

[ausreenactor]

What size is your original Tanker?