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

[Smithy]

It's actually not that silly that aircrew may swap their leather A-2 for a tanker. Operational flying clothing is all about using something that makes doing your job easier and without intruding on what you have to do, and comfort. I'm one of the first to think that A-2s happen to be one of the best looking flight jackets but if we're honest their design isn't optimal. A tanker gives more ease of movement and is warmer. It's much the same as with B-10s. As most of you here probably know, I have a particular interest in the 4th FG, and it's incredible how many and how quickly B-10s were taken up for operational flying by the 4th when they became available. Whilst we care about patina and leather and graining and stitching, the guys actually flying in WWII couldn't give a shit about any of the stuff we obsess about today. They wanted something that would keep them warm, and help them do what they had to do in an aircraft with the minimum amount of resistance, wasn't restrictive in range of movement and kept them comfortable.

It's a bit like the Irvin which I am a massive fan of. My Dad's mate flew Spits with 485 and was issued one and said they were utterly useless to fly in a fighter because they were too bulky and the collar, even when down, got in the way when trying to look behind. OK for the bomber boys but a waste of time for the guys flying single seaters. He only ever wore his on the ground over the colder months when having to wait at dispersal.

Whilst we might put a premium on the leather jackets, that's not necessarily what someone flying combat ops during WWII would have done.

 

[ausreenactor]

Got offered a complete USAF uniform for my slouch hat yesterday. I need the hat for a course in a few months, otherwise it was GONE!

 

[B-Man2]

Couldn't you come up with another slouch hat?...….....Sounds like it might have been a good trade.

 

[ausreenactor]

New ones are twice the price and half as good. Defence contracts...

 

[B-Man2]

Got it... makes sense.. smart move.

 

[Pilot]

Traded this one against my beret....

.....when stationed in Afghanistan.
Happy to put it in the F/S forum if anyone interested.

 

[B-Man2]

Brice
Thats pretty cool looking. What period is it from ? What do you think you might ask for it ?

 

[ausreenactor]

That's a weird one. Badge is Korean War era, puggaree is a four fold when WWII was a five fold and current is a seven. And he badge on the liner. Generally they have the maker, year of manufacture and size only. Unique!

 

[ausreenactor]

And issued ones don't have a white ribbon?

 

[Pilot]

Not Korea War, not WW2, , the officer who traded it in, gave it to me in 2002/3 approx.
If I remember correctly he bought it for me in their PX... He absolutely wanted my beret because of its color and the insigna on it...we were issued 3 berets anyway and replacing them was no issue.

 

[269sqnhudson]

Back to the Tankers, this is the golden bullet, January 1944, the 308th FS pilots all in Tankers. Look newly issued judging by the slightly awkward stances, like they’re wearing them for the first time.

 

[Carl]

In the very first photo posted anyone notice thst ultra rare beastie of the "Grow" flak helmet