Some of the 4th FG and a lot of A-2s

[Smithy]

I'm not terribly good either truth be told!

 

[Greg Gale]

Another piece of RAF heritage: the blue polka dot ascot scarf as seen around John Godfrey's neck.

 

[Smithy]

Vic France was another one who was using a polka dot scarf he'd used during his RAF days.

 

[Pilot]

These polka dot scarfs were favored by all WW2 pilots, regardless on which side they were fighting.

 

[Greg Gale]

Yes, Hungarian pilots wore red polka dot scarves for example. The USAAF, however, preferred their issue white silk scarves, except for the 4th FG.

On a sidenote, if anyone is interested, I have one of these. May not be historically accurate, but they're great quality, made of silk. Goes well with an A-2
https://www.supernovascarves.co.uk/navy-silk-polka-dot-mod-scarf.html

 

[Pilot]

These polka dot scarfs were favored by all WW2 pilots, regardless on which side they were fighting.

 

[Smithy]

If we are talking the RAF and the kinds of silk scarves available in Britain in the 1930s and 40s, the problem with a lot of modern silk scarves is that the silk is too thin and doesn't have the heft that the scarves from that era had. Another thing, a lot of the scarves worn by RAF aircrew (like those made by Tootal, Duggie, etc) had a silk side and a wool side (usually in a monotone colour) this also added to the "bulk" of the scarf when it was knotted. A lot of modern silk scarves can look a little anaemic when they are knotted or quickly come loose.

 

[Greg Gale]

Check this one out. Duane Beeson seen through a reflector gunsight:

 

[Smithy]

Check this one out. Duane Beeson seen through a reflector gunsight:

That's awesome!

 

[Pilot]

Yes, Hungarian pilots wore red polka dot scarves for example. The USAAF, however, preferred their issue white silk scarves, except for the 4th FG.

On a sidenote, if anyone is interested, I have one of these. May not be historically accurate, but they're great quality, made of silk. Goes well with an A-2
https://www.supernovascarves.co.uk/navy-silk-polka-dot-mod-scarf.html

I have one from WW2, dots are bigger and its quite strong silk.
Both sides are printed the same way and there are German markings on it: “ Reine Seide “
I am not at the address where my collection is, hence pics will follow later...

 

[Marv]

View attachment 7649 View attachment 7648

Werner Molders and Adolf Galland, two of the great Luftwaffe Aces looking exceptionally cool in my opinion.

 

[Officer Dibley]

Ok, thanks for putting me right. Pinks felt syntheic or part synthetic when i've handled them. I've never seen drape like they have on modern wool trousers and assumed. Always a mistake !

 

[Pilot]

Check this one out. Duane Beeson seen through a reflector gunsight:

Please dont pull the trigger...

 

[Cocker]

Never checked on the fate on Duane Beeson after WW2. What a sad, sad end for such a brave young man... Same goes for Godfrey. Surviving all this to go out like that, it's really awful.

 

[Officer Dibley]

"Fit ?" I hear you say...... maybe the uniform, period in time and steely eyed dealer of death look in their eyes is what makes the jacket look right rather than the cut......

 

[Brettafett]

Thats a great pic. Aero left, Dubow (likely 27798) right.

 

[B-Man2]

"Fit ?" I hear you say...... maybe the uniform, period in time and steely eyed dealer of death look in their eyes is what makes the jacket look right rather than the cut......

View attachment 7662

I love this picture because it positively shows that “ the fit” of the jacket depended on what the the supply Sargent had in stock and where you were in the Q, at the time the jackets were being issued. I’m sure they tried to give a guy what he wanted, but these two guys are wearing A2’s at least one size to big.

 

[Pilot]

I love this picture because it positively shows that “ the fit” of the jacket depended on what the the supply Sargent had in stock and where you were in the Q, at the time the jackets were being issued. I’m sure they tried to give a guy what he wanted, but these two guys are wearing A2’s at least one size to big.

Absolutely, plus they did not eat as well as we do today...

 

[Officer Dibley]

Just picked up a lovely white Tootal for £20 on ebay.
There's another three on there now. Another at £20 and others at £39 & £50.
Be quick !

 

[Officer Dibley]

I love this picture because it positively shows that “ the fit” of the jacket depended on what the the supply Sargent had in stock and where you were in the Q, at the time the jackets were being issued. I’m sure they tried to give a guy what he wanted, but these two guys are wearing A2’s at least one size to big.

Too big in our modern view Burt. I wonder if any of their buddies kept taking the pi55 over the jackets being too big or sleeve half an inch too long/short.

I think the vast majority of the aircrews were just young, unsophisticated lads for whom "fashion" was something hot "broads" were occupied with but was unmanly for all but the rich dandies.

We'll never be able to check but i wonder how many that wore A-2's the way some now like were the better heeled and sophisticated ones.....

But what do i know. I treated some great kit i was issued with with utter contempt as it was free issue.