Warbird Information Exchange

RAAF Korean fighter pilot

RAAF Mirage pilot 1970s



RAAF pilots 1950s

Here some of my RAAF Korean era flightgear on display last year at a airahow with a Korean era marked RAAF CAC Mustang.
The flying gear is as it would of been worn by RAAF 77Sqn fighter pilots flying over South and North Korea in 1950-51.

In 1951 the RAAF went to Meteor jets and the flying gear changed to hard helmets - P-1A type.

All this RAAF Mustang flying gear is very rare to be seen with a RAAF Mustang nowdays - as i recall it is the first time since late 1950s that such a set had been in same space with a appropiately marked RAAF Mustang.

The helmet and Mae West life vest were all British issued gear. The flight suit and parachute are USAF issued gear.

I own over 40 sets of flight suits from WW2 to modern day, 6 rare flying jackets, 50 flight helmets.( I am small fry - some of my US mates have over 250 sets complete... worth maybe $300,000 +US)

I have enough to fully equip a "warbird air force" .. just dont own a warbird LOL.

Ironically i can reproduce the Korean War USAF pilots in summer and winter gear, in all 3 colours scheme to a perfect renactment level but alas Korean warbird in Australia are rare to find.

An interesting and timely discussion!

This past weekend, my wife told me about a dance being held at Jerry Yagen's facility on Valentine's Day which she wanted us to go to... and she gave me the green light to put together a period-correct USAAC uniform, so long as it didn't break the bank. So, these past few days I've been hammering Ebay for deals, trying to find original items wherever I can for reasonable prices... easier said than done, it seems! There ARE deals to be had, though, and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm not trying to pass myself off as a general or any such thing... I'm putting together a simple Captain's uniform, no masses of medals or any other thing, just your basic average everyday Class A officer's kit. I am doing all I can to make sure everything is done right, including going over copies of field guides and manuals to ensure I don't screw up any insignia placement.

The way I see it, it's a way to add to the atmosphere and immerse ourselves a little bit in a bygone time. And yes, I've already shaved off my goatee and am getting a nice, tight haircut for the event.

Lynn

Cargo´s not bad, but is the cargo in the proper era uniforms for the vehicle´s time period?
I´m not well versed on Commonwealth female uniforms, but they look WWII to me but the vehicle is post war. If not forget the next line.
That´s some of the problems I have with accuracy.
Jerry

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"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

About the only part of their uniform thats remotely Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) is the sidecap. But even then no one is wearing rank, cap badges or anything that would denote their Service. If they are portraying ATS or course not Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) post 1949.

Looks like a bit of fun, just a real shame that an important part of WW2 is being portrayed with mirror sunglasses.

http://www.atsremembered.pwp.blueyonder ... ergall.htm

Yes, unfortunately it's been made a national sport, it's no wonder the Europeans laugh at them

I took the shot of the 'gals' at the 2006 Wanaka air show in New Zealand as they drove down the flight line.

They were there as a singing act...Glen Miller/Andrews Sisters theme etc.

They are not re-enactors as such and the post WWII 'Commonwealth' Champ is not necessarily their personal transport.

Just a bit of fun to brighten the day. Don't take it too seriously.

PeterA

http://heritageflyinggear.blogspot.com/

New update with a recent restored flying helmet from 1951 with original USAF squadron artwork.

Not every day you can find these rare squadron decorated 1950s USAF helmets and near brand new inside.

I used to do the AAF thing all the time. But now that I'm getting a little older (and now blind as a bat without my glasses) I haven't done it in a while. Now, I go to events as a "ground pounder" and often a War Correspondent.
I'm in the front row to the right in this one:

This is my group's display at the Olympia (WA) fly-in in June. The front corner of my 1944 Jeep is in the foreground lower center:

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Life member, 91st BG Memorial Association
Owner, 1944 Willys MB #366014
Former REMF (US Army, O3)