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My collection: military aviation pilots from First World War to present

7262 Views 135 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  Daniele, 
D
My brother and I have been collecting aviation uniforms and equipment since 1983.
With the kind permission of the Moderators, I would like to present to you our collection of military aircraft pilots from the First World War to today: 100 years of military flight history represented by about 45 fully equipped mannequins, fully equipped in flight order.
Everything is complete and original, perfectly "matching" for the right type of aircraft, era, war theater and operations. For each visible item, there are many more hidden in emergency vests, pockets etc. Some items are in the history books.
Years of research and studies in days without Internet but on mountains of books ... and many sacrifices.
To those interested, a good view. Thanks to everybody.
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D
World War II. Battle of Britain.

RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), Spitfire / Hurricane fighter pilot, Battle of Britain, September 1940
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D
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Charbroil
Interesting to see a large bulging pistol or revolver on the outside of the pilot’s right leg.
I know the spitfire especially, were very cramped quarters for the pilot, so I can’t imagine how they would fit that in that position without it impeding their comfort and controls. I also don’t know why such an impediment would be carried on a battle that wasn’t over enemy lines. Do you have any record of how many pilots wore it like that, during the Battle of Britain?
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D
I had seen a photo of a pilot with a flare gun tied to his leg. Having the holster available, I thought I'd put it on him.
The service pistol webbing holster is at the waist belt.
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The two enemies of the Battle of Britain:

RCAF fighter pilot / Luftwaffe Me-109E fighter pilot
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Bluestrom13
Charbroil said:
I know the spitfire especially, were very cramped quarters for the pilot, so I can’t imagine how they would fit that in that position without it impeding their comfort and controls. I also don’t know why such an impediment would be carried
Click to expand...
My initial thought, when I saw it, was that there was no way he could run to his aircraft when a "Scramble" was ordered, with that strapped to his leg!

( Not to detract from a VERY IMPRESSIVE line-up of exhibits, thanks @Daniele..(y))
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D
for the webbing waist holster I based on this photo, Biggin Hill, September 1940.
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Bluebottle
I think Daniele is saying it’s a Berridge pistol on his leg, not a personal firearm.
(they used modified firearm holsters for them)
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D
Items on mannequin:

  • Jacket "Service Dress" dated 1940
  • Trousers "Service Dress" dated 1940
  • Old silk Scarf
  • Flight helmet 1940
  • Complete Intercom system (earphones, microphone, cables, jack plug)
  • Oxygen mask + tube + connector 1939
  • Flight goggles MkIII 1935
  • Wrist compass
  • Flight gloves 1940
  • Wristwatch
  • Whistle for emergency signals
  • Emergency signal mirror 1940
  • Manual calculator for flight and navigation 1939 with pouch
  • Pistol Holster 1940 + safety lanyard + cartridge holder 1940
  • Holster for signal flare gun 1937
  • Thigh-length folder 1940 + clip + sharpener + pencil
  • Flight boots 1939
  • Maps of Southern England (2) 1939
  • Map of the Pas-de-Calais (France) 1939
  • Life vest 1940
  • Pack of cigarettes + matchbox
  • Dressing packages 1939 (3) + anti-burns cream
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Battle of Britain.
Luftwaffe, Me-109E fighter pilot, summer 1940
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D
With his LifeVest, day of manufacture 18 july 1940
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