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Hi all, the ‘Battle of Britain day’ update was just completed, with some lovely new items of flying kit added to the website. I hope you all enjoy the Battle of Britain focus. Happy hunting! https://www.rafmilitaria.com/new-items September 15th 1940, otherwise known as ‘Battle of Britain Day’, marked a decisive moment in the air war over Britain. This was the day the Luftwaffe launched its largest and most concentrated attack against London in the hope of drawing the RAF into a battle of annihilation. The RAF did not capitulate, and in the aftermath of the raid, Hitler postponed Operation Sea Lion. Please take a moment to commemorate ‘The Few’, who lost their lives fighting for the freedom we have today. RAF Mark VA Flying Spectacles

Following another busy year, both collecting wise and personally, I am ready again to list some more items for sale from my private collection. The website will be updated this coming Monday, 15th September , and what better day to refresh the website than the 85th anniversary of ‘Battle of Britain day’! In honour of The Few, this update will have a nice selection of flying kit and accessories, with a distinct Battle of Britain theme. The update will take place at a totally random  time of day, so I highly recommend frequenting the NEW ITEMS  page throughout the day. As with all previous updates, if you manage to be on the website in time to purchase something you like, please click either the "GET IT" button, or alternatively email me directly, referencing the item in question, at rafmilitaria@gmail.com . (I am also very responsive on Facebook messenger too). I will reserve the item and message you personally to arrange payment and postage. I operate strictly on a 'first come, first serve' basis. As always, happy hunting, and if you don’t see anything you like, please do reach out with a wants list as you never know what I else I may be willing to part with. Ben

A new item I have just picked up is this super ‘Prestige’ Flying Suit, with history to ex-Vickers test pilot and British racing driver, William ‘Bill’ Simpson Aston. The suit came with Aston’s Luxor flying goggles, flying/motor-cap, registration plate for an aircraft he owned and flew from Eastbourne Flying Club (pre-war), along with various ephemera relating to his racing career.   ‘PRESTIGE’ SUIT HISTORY: Many collectors will recognise the white flying overalls as a ‘Prestige’ flying suit; a simple unlined cotton suit synonymous with pilots who held prestigious positions in pre-war aerobatic display teams, or worked with the various aircraft manufacturers as test pilots. The nickname ‘Prestige’ suit was thus coined, with the suits becoming a status symbol, evident in the fact that they saw continued use in the early war years: most notably among Auxiliary Air Force and University squadrons who took part in the Battle of Britain.   The suits were produced in a myriad of styles including a standard turn-down collar, mandarin style stand-collar, and had different pocket designs depending on the manufacturer.  They were manufactured in 2 different weights and four colours: white, black, navy and tan.  Rank lace was sometimes attached to the epaulettes and squadron badges and pilot wings were occasionally added, though an Air Ministry order forbade the application of badges in the war years. Photo evidence would suggest this was not always heeded to.   The suits were available from many commercial manufacturers of the time, including Burberry, Gamages, Gieves, D-Lewis; and the Air Ministry themselves contracted suits for the RAF display/aerobatic teams, as well as for test pilots. Air Ministry-contracted suits are usually found with AM marked zippers and are exceptionally rare to find.   THE SUIT:   The suit I have picked up is most probably made by D-Lewis, which was one of the more prolific makers of the suit. It has a turned down collar, chest and thigh pockets, removable shank buttons, a pleated back and adjustable belt. The most striking element to the suit, from an RAF collector’s perspective, are the Air Ministry branded zippers on both forearms: indicative of the suit being issued in the pre-war years for RAF use. The suit is adorned with a prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) badge, which epitomises its use by Bill Aston in the post-war years. Interestingly the suit came with a small identification plate in one of the pockets for Eastbourne Flying Club, along with the registration G-AEKG. G-AEKG was a ‘BA Swallow 2’ aircraft owned by Aston from October 1938 – January 1939. Sadly the aircraft was destroyed in a hangar fire at Maylands Aerodrome, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex on the 6th February 1940.     BILL ASTON: William ‘Bill’ Simpson Aston (29 March 1900 – 4 March 1974) fought in World War 1, and was a test pilot for Vickers during the Second World War, before turning to motor racing; participating  in three World Championship Grands Prix and setting a new 500cc speed record at Montlhery in 1951.   Sadly history of Aston’s time as a Vickers test pilot is rather limited, though it is evident he had a long time spent in aviation, flying from Eastbourne in the pre-war years before working with Vickers. Aston must have had links with the RAF, due to the fact the suit has Air Ministry marked zippers.   More information on Bill’s somewhat forgotten racing career can be found here: https://www.f1forgottendrivers.com/drivers/bill-aston/ REFERENCES Special thanks to David Farnsworth, Mick Prodger, Steve Milnthorpe, Neil Seaton and Rob Bilinski for their knowledge, input and patience. See also: Mick Prodger, Luftwaffe vs RAF: Flying Clothing of the Air War 1939-45 , (Schiffer, 1997) Mick Prodger, Luftwaffe vs RAF: Flying Equipment of the Air War 1939-45 , (Schiffer, 1998) David Farnsworth, Their Finest Hour - A Collector's Guide to the Battle of Britain , (Armourer, 2010) Mark Hillier, The RAF Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot's Kitbag , (Frontline Books, 2018)

Hi all, the update was just completed (8pm UK time), with some unique and rare items that have been added; so please take a look in the NEW ITEMS section! There should be something for everyone. https://www.rafmilitaria.com/new-items Have a lovely weekend everyone!

It's been an extremely busy year for me collecting wise, and as we approach the colder seasons I think it is time for a long overdue overhaul of my collection. With this in mind, I will be listing a number of items for sale that I just cannot physically hold on to anymore. The website will be updated this coming Friday, 10th November, with a nice selection of flying kit and accessories. This will actually be the biggest update I've posted so far! The update will take place at a totally random time of day, so I highly recommend frequenting the NEW ITEMS page throughout the day. As with all previous updates, if you manage to be on the website in time to purchase something you like, please click either the "GET IT" button, or alternatively email me directly, referencing the item in question, at rafmilitaria@gmail.com. (I am also very responsive on Facebook messenger too). I will reserve the item and message you personally to arrange payment and postage. I operate strictly on a 'first come, first serve' basis. Happy hunting! Ben

In honour of ‘Battle of Britain’ day - September 15, 1940 - I would like to share a pickup of mine from earlier this year. As a collector, the Battle of Britain has always held a special place in my heart, and one of the most synonymous items of flying kit of this period was the life preserver the fighter pilots and aircrew wore during the Battle, commonly known as the ‘1932 Pattern Mae West’. THE CONTEXT One of the main fears for the RAF fighter pilot during the Battle of Britain was to end up ‘down in the drink’ - alone and adrift in the unforgiving English Channel. In the event of being shot down, or having to alight over the Channel, an airman had to rely solely on his life preserver to keep him alive and afloat until rescue was possible. Dinghies had not yet been developed, and the RAF was still using a life jacket developed at the beginning of the 1930s; technically referred to as 'Waistcoat, Life-Saving, Inflatable Stole Type - Temperate Pattern' (22c/55), but almost universally referred to as the 1932 Pattern ’Mae West’ - named after the famously well-endowed American actress of the time. Below: photos courtesy of the Imperial War Museum, London, showing various aircrew sporting the 32 Pattern. Note the popular practice of 'doping' the Mae West with yellow aircraft paint to provide better visibility when lost at sea. By all measures the 32 Pattern Mae West was an outdated item by the time of the Battle. Unlike the life preservers the Luftwaffe pilots wore, it was dyed a drab green and thus camouflaged perfectly with the grimy Channel water. The blow-up stole was manually operated from an inflation hose housed on the left-breast, in contrast to the gas-operated technology the Luftwaffe had already pioneered for aircrew incapable of such action when incapacitated. These limitations aside, the 32 Pattern is an evocative item of aircrew equipment today, and a true Holy Grail for any collector of RAF flying clothing & equipment. Below: photos showing the practice of doping the Mae West (Left), along with existing examples of doped 32 Patterns that have survived the test of time. The RAF pilots quickly learned how to improve their chances of survival. Photos (left & middle) courtesy of Mick Prodger Luftwaffe vs RAF: Flying Equipment of the Air War 1939-45, (Schiffer, 1998) & Graham Potts, The Aircrew Collection; (right) courtesy of Steve Milnthorpe. TECHNICAL DETAILS The 1932 Pattern Mae West was comprised of several parts - the waistcoat or container, the inflatable stole (bladder) and the kapok pads. The 'Waistcoat, Life-Saving, Inflatable Stole Type - Temperate Pattern' (22c/55) is more commonly known today as the 1932 Pattern due to the date of introduction. The waistcoat was manufactured from a linen fabric, dyed pale green-drab and rubberised internally on the section that contained the bladder. A zip fastener at the back of the neck section allowed access for the internal components. The rubber bladder was manufactured from best quality red (but also found in grey, orange, salmon pink or brick red) sheet rubber of .03” thickness and had two ‘lungs’ with a connecting portion at the neck. The stole was fitted with an oral inflation tube, with a screw topped valve at the end, enabling the user to add air as required. [Middle photo courtesy of David Farnsworth, The Historic Flying Clothing Company]. In addition to the stole, a set of three rubberised cotton pads – filled with kapok and joined by linen fabric tape – could be inserted into the waistcoat to provide a minimum buoyancy in the event of a failure of the bladder, or should the wearer be unable to inflate it.  [Below photos courtesy of David Farnsworth, The Historic Flying Clothing Company]. The waistcoat was fitted with 3 hand-sewn bone buttons to the front and a long narrow pocket into which the inflation tube could be placed when not in use. A buckled strap at the chest and waist served to improve the fit further. Instructions for use were stencilled onto the Mae West on the front lobes and at the back of the neck. Two distinctly different fonts were used for the main lettering. The example I have uses a Serif style font (two variations of this exist, as shown left & middle), and a Sans-Serif style font was also used. [Middle and right photos courtesy of David Farnsworth, The Historic Flying Clothing Company]. Other variations include two types of buckled strap, one being in a simple cotton webbing tape, the other in double-backed linen (a stiffer version of the main waistcoat material) with eyelets fitted for the pronged buckle.  All of these would appear to be of no more significance than a manufacturing difference, and do not represent a mythical ‘1940‘ pattern. [Right-hand photo courtesy of David Farnsworth, The Historic Flying Clothing Company]. Some more detailed photos showing the label and nomenclature on my 1940-dated Mae West: Words and analysis courtesy of David Farnsworth, September 2010. In September 2010 David Farnsworth published a fifteen-page supplement in the September issue of The Armourer magazine, coinciding with the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The supplement was titled ‘Their Finest Hour - A Collector's Guide to the Battle of Britain’. The article was beautifully written and accompanied by some fantastic photos of David’s impressive collection. A decade later and that article is now very hard to come by; a hidden gem for any collector lucky enough to have subscribed to The Armourer magazine back in 2010. Thank you to David for giving me the green-light to include his work in this article, allowing it to once again see the light of day. David's fantastic website: https://www.historicflyingclothing.com/ PUBLICATION HISTORY I was lucky enough to purchase my 1932 Pattern Mae West from a close friend of mine, who kindly gave me first refusal. You may recognise the life jacket as it was previously part of Mick Prodger’s esteemed collection, featuring heavily in his ‘Luftwaffe vs RAF’ series. It was later published in Mark Hillier’s excellent publication: ‘The Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot’s Kitbag’. I feel humbled to be the current custodian of this item. BONUS: SKULL CAP! Many thanks to Steve Milnthorpe for sending these photos to me and allowing me to share them here. What you can see here is a rare skull cap, dated 1938. The skull cap was a companion issue item that partnered the 1932 Pattern Mae West, and preceded the yellow iteration that was issued with the 1941 Pattern Mae West. You can clearly see how it was hand-doped yellow to provide further visibility if 'down in the drink'. Not many of these are known to have survived, and this is the first I have ever seen. REFERENCES Special thanks to David Farnsworth, Mick Prodger, Steve Milnthorpe, Neil Seaton and Richard Briers for their knowledge, input and patience. See also: Mick Prodger, Luftwaffe vs RAF: Flying Clothing of the Air War 1939-45, (Schiffer, 1997) Mick Prodger, Luftwaffe vs RAF: Flying Equipment of the Air War 1939-45, (Schiffer, 1998) David Farnsworth, Their Finest Hour - A Collector's Guide to the Battle of Britain, (Armourer, 2010) Mark Hillier, The RAF Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot's Kitbag, (Frontline Books, 2018)

The update was completed at 8pm UK time, with some unique and rare items that have just been added so please take a look in the NEW ITEMS section! https://www.rafmilitaria.com/new-items Have a lovely weekend everyone!

I cannot quite believe that we are already well into 2022 and Spring is here. To welcome in the, hopefully, warmer seasons the website will be updated this coming Friday, May 6th, with a nice selection of flying kit and accessories for sale. The update will take place at the usual time of 20:00 hrs UK time, with all items uploaded instantly to the NEW ITEMS section. As with all previous updates, if you manage to be on the website in time to purchase something you like, please click either the "GET IT" button, or alternatively email me directly, referencing the item in question, at rafmilitaria@gmail.com. (I am also very responsive on Facebook messenger too). I will reserve the item and message you personally to arrange payment and postage. I operate strictly on a 'first come, first serve' basis. Happy hunting! Ben

A recent pickup of mine is this gorgeous headgear set, totally original and stored away since the war. The set comprises a Type B Flying Helmet, made by Wareings in a generously fitting size 2. The helmet has had its manufactured date erased and written in pen is the issue date of 1941. The helmet is complemented by a superb Type D Oxygen mask, fitted with the Type 54 Adaptor in order to accept the Type 26 microphone assembly. Interestingly the mask is an early issue, but has had its press studs removed in order to prevent them freezing to the operator‘s hand when the mask was used. This, coupled with the fact the helmet has cheek protectors installed, would suggest the set was used for radio communications only and therefore the mask was used as a microphone carrier. To find a Type D Mask in any condition is a rare event, but to find one fitted with an original Type 54 adaptor is extremely rare. As the photos below show, the condition is superb with only a few areas of wear to the fabric. Internally the mask shows some soiling, but this is in keeping with the helmet, showing the set was always used together. As the photos show, the helmet has had cheek protectors installed to prevent the press studs from fusing to the wearer’s face in extreme temperatures. The helmet has also had a panel of leather installed to the top, I imagine as a form of cushioning? The work is a period addition. Overall this is a really unusual grouping to find with the mask having the adaptor installed and the various modifications made to the set as a whole. If only it could talk!

I would like to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year. 2021 was a difficult year for many of us, but despite the challenges it is important for us to look at successes as well. The year saw the creation of the website, and I have been blown away by the support and positive feedback I have received in that time. Hopefully I can continue adding more interesting and varied content in 2022. I hope everyone has a great year ahead! To kickstart the year I have added this superb, original Type D Oxygen Mask to the website, fresh from my own private collection: https://www.rafmilitaria.com/product-page/raf-battle-of-britain-d-type-oxygen-mask-mark-ii-goggle-strap Happy hunting!

The update was completed at 8pm UK time, with some unique and rare items that have just been added so please take a look in the NEW ITEMS section! https://www.rafmilitaria.com/new-items Have a lovely weekend everyone, and stay safe.

As we approach the midpoint of October we are nearing the end of the four month period that many associate with the Battle of Britain. With that in mind, next Thursday, October 14th, the website will be updated with a very nice selection of new items for sale, with a specific focus on the Battle of Britain (there will also be some other, rare items too). The update will take place at the usual time of 20:00 hrs UK time, with all items uploaded instantly. The Battle of Britain captures a large portion of my interest in flying gear, so I have selected some choice items from my own collection to sell. As with all previous updates, if you manage to be on the website in time to purchase something you like, please click either the "GET IT" button, or alternatively email me directly, referencing the item in question, at rafmilitaria@gmail.com. (I am also very responsive on Facebook messenger too). I will reserve the item and message you personally to arrange payment and postage. I operate strictly on a 'first come, first serve' basis. Happy hunting! Ben

The update was completed at 8pm UK time, with some unique and rare items that have just been added so please take a look in the NEW ITEMS section! https://www.rafmilitaria.com/new-items Have a lovely weekend everyone, and stay safe.

It has been a while since I updated the website and, despite the radio silence, a lot has been going on behind the scenes. I have some exciting projects I have been working on to expand the website, which hopefully are not too far off. I also managed to hit over 500 likes/follows on the Facebook page! So a celebration is in order… … the website will have a new stock update this Friday 13th August at 20:00 hrs UK time (who said Friday the 13th is unlucky?!). The update will be relatively modest in size, but there are some rare and unique items I am sure will be of interest. As with the previous update, if you manage to be on the website in time to purchase something you like, please click either the "GET IT" button, or alternatively email me directly, referencing the item in question, at rafmilitaria@gmail.com. (I am also very responsive on Facebook messenger too). I will reserve the item and message you personally to arrange payment and postage. I operate strictly on a 'first come, first serve' basis. Following Friday's update, I will get back into the swing of expanding the resources section of the website. I have some great articles in mind. All updates will posted on my facebook page as soon as they transpire, so please like and follow: https://www.facebook.com/rafmilitaria Lastly, thank you for all the positive and encouraging messages of support over the last few months. I have felt very humbled. Happy hunting! Ben

THE HISTORY In 1935 the RAF enacted a rapid expansion of its pilot corps, and by the time war broke out in 1939 there were a large number of pilots who had taken commissions in peace time. One of the largest pools for new recruits were the plethora of private flying clubs that had sprouted throughout the country, and often these pilots brought with them their own flying gear, purchased privately from outfitters such as D Lewis, S Lewis, Burberry and Austin Reed et al. Once the realities of wartime material shortages came into effect, the Air Ministry (AM) looked to private contractors to assist in producing flying kit. D Lewis Ltd, notable amongst aviators and motorists of the 1930s, emerged as one of the most prolific contractors for flying kit. Officers could receive a 10% discount, and a vast number of officially designated Air Ministry items were sub-contracted, such as Mark IIIA Goggles, 1936 Pattern Boots and even B Type Flying Helmets. The more interesting repertoire of available items were the privately made items, carried over from the halcyon days of airshows and pageants, before the war was a conceivable reality. Though D Lewis is perhaps renowned among collectors for its ‘Prestige’ Flying Suit - plain overalls produced in white, black, navy and tan twill - it also made an equally noteworthy flying goggle in the guise of the Luxors made by E. B. Meyrowitz. THE GOGGLES Simply called ‘Aviator Goggle’, one can see the similarities with Luxor goggles of the time. The frames were finished in chromed nickel, with vented sides and a central adjuster bridge. The characteristic rubber cushions stand out; produced in a cream sorbo rubber, they offered extreme comfort (especially compared to the available AM goggles of the time), and made a fashionable statement. Perhaps most interestingly with these goggles is the fact the lenses were Triplex made, with laminated glass, and the strap was copied directly from the AM Mark II Flying Goggles. Both the strap and the lenses met AM requirements for serviceable goggles, proving that it was not just the Luxors in use during the war. (My particular pair are named to an individual called ‘Nicholson’). A number of period photos showing private purchase goggles in use often mis-identify them as Luxors. Below are a few photos showing the D Lewis goggles in use: Above: Sergeant Ron Stillwell (DFM, DFC) of 65 Squadron, preparing to take off in Spitfire “YT-X” during the Battle of Britain. A very interesting photo, and proof it was not just officers who were partial to private purchase items. Note that the microphone is unhinged to facilitate communications with the groundcrew. Another superb photo showing the D Lewis goggles in use by the New Zealand pilot on the right. The goggles are worn with an early C Type Flying Helmet and E Type Oxygen Mask. References: Special thanks to Mick Prodger. See also: Mark Hillier, The RAF Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot's Kitbag, (Fontline Books, 2018) Mick Prodger, Vintage Flying Helmets: Aviation Headgear Before the Jet Age, (Schiffer, 1995) Dilip Sakar, Battle of Britain: The Photographic Kaleidoscope, V.II, (Ramrod, 1999)

I have just added a new item for sale: a wonderful pair of RAF Type H Electrically Heated Flying Gloves. The gloves can be viewed here: https://www.rafmilitaria.com/product-page/raf-type-h-electrically-heated-flying-gloves The gloves are a true matched pair, and very hard to find these days in such superb condition.

I have just added a new item for sale: a lovely example of an early pattern C Type Flying Helmet. The helmet can be viewed here: https://www.rafmilitaria.com/product-page/raf-c-type-flying-helmet-early-pattern

A new addition to my collection is this superb, pre-war Irvin Flying Jacket, most likely made by Links and dating from 1938-9. This particular model of the Irvin Flying Jacket features prominently in photos from the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. As the photos show, the Irvin is exceptionally well preserved, with a lovely honey-coloured shearling complemented by the chestnut exterior which still maintains its original chroming. Typical of early Irvins, the Jacket is produced with single panel fronts and just one centre seam to the rear. The main zipper is an unmarked double-trunnion 'DOT' puller, typical of those used on 1938-9 Irvins. Both sleeves zips are single-trunnion 'DOT' pullers, marked 'Made in England', again a typical pattern of early-made Irvins. All zippers are completed with their original leather puller-tapes. Under the arm the Jacket has 9 vents, all maintaining the majority of their original painted finish. One distinguishing feature of the Links Irvin is the rounded profile of the collar. Most other makers produced the collars with squarer ends. The large 'stand' collar housed a leather strap and metal rings for fastening in the 'up' position if required. To further ensure the collar would remain up, a rear elasticated strap was included, which the pilot could pull over his head to secure the collar in place. Often these are missing from original examples. Luckily my Irvin still has its original strap, still entirely elasticated. To finish, the Irvin's waist was secured with a leather belt. Again a distinguishing feature of this pre-war Links Irvin is the large, chromed belt buckle which was thicker than other makers, and only used on early Links Irvins. THE HISTORY The classic ‘Irvin’ Flying Jacket is perhaps one of the most iconic items of flying clothing to emerge from WW2. First designed by American Aviator, Leslie Irvin, in the early 1930s, the design of the Irvin remained very much unchanged until the demands of a war-economy loomed large in 1940. Early Irvins were produced from the Irvin factory in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, with an Air Ministry contract in 1932 expanding the production to other makers (such as Wareings and Links). Official Air Ministry nomenclature designated the Irvin as ‘Jacket for Suits, Flying, Thermally Insulated’ (stores ref. 22c/98, later re-designated 22c/317-324). The pre-war design was a two-piece Irvinsuit, manufactured in sheepskin lined, brown chromed leather and available in 8 sizes. As is evident with the example in my collection, the two-piece construction utilised large leather panels, which proved to be an expensive means of manufacture. This was not so much a concern in the pre-war years, but when hostilities broke out in 1939 it quickly became clear a much more cost-effective means of production was necessary. Consequently, Irvins constructed post-1940 are often found to be constructed with multiple-panels, with some late war Irvins seeming almost patch-work in appearance. By design the Irvin was extremely bulky, and whilst photographic evidence would indicate they were popular with fighter pilots during the Battle of France, they were rarely worn by Fighter Command during the summer months of the Battle of Britain, and more the preserve of bomber crew. References: Special thanks to David Farnsworth, Mick Prodger and Andrew Swatland. See also: Mark Hillier, The RAF Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot's Kitbag, (Fontline Books, 2018) Mick Prodger, Luftwaffe vs RAF: Flying Clothing of the Air War 1939-45, (Schiffer, 1997)

A recent purchase of mine is this rare boxed pair of Luxor ‘12’ Flying Goggles, complete with prescription lenses and their certificate dated 1938. The set is named to ‘J. A. Keep Esq.’ As the photos show, the goggles are still in superb condition with the rubbers fully intact, the nickel plated frames still fully chromed and moderate elasticity still present in the strap. THE HISTORY When the RAF entered the Second World War they had a number of ‘official’, Air Ministry designed goggles in circulation, but it is perhaps a private purchase pair that are the most synonymous with the early-war years; most notably the Battle of Britain. The Luxor ‘12’ goggles were the most prestigious pair of goggles available to pilots throughout the 1930s leading into WW2. Designed by E. B. Meyrowitz (EBM) of London Bond Street, the goggles were either French or English made, and favoured by fighter pilots for a myriad of reasons. The flat, laminated glass lenses offered exceptional visibility and clarity, especially compared to the Air Ministry Mark III series goggles which utilised curved, celluloid lenses that not only distorted vision but proved to be highly flammable. The polished, nickel frames were well ventilated, and completed by the sorbo rubber cushions were found to not only look good, but proved extremely comfortable to wear. The cushions are usually found in the salmon pink iteration shown above, but can also be found in a cream colour. The adjustable nose bridge allowed pilots to ensure a perfectly fitting pair of goggles. These really were the ‘Rolls Royce’ of goggles available to pilots, and proved so popular that the Air Ministry acquiesced and approved them for operational use, provided two provisos were met: the lenses were laminated safety glass, and the strap was “secure”; in other words, the plain, elasticated strap needed to be replaced with that from a pair of Mark II or Mark III goggles. Photographic evidence would indicate the latter proviso was rarely met. A number of iterations of Luxor goggles appear in period photos, but the iconic status of the Luxor ‘12’, and its affinity to the Battle of Britain, owes to a poignant series of photographs of 32 Squadron's 'B-Flight' pilots taken at the height of the Battle in August, 1940. One picture in particular was selected as embodying the spirit, courage and frivolity of ‘The Few’: Pilot Officer Keith Gillman, kitted up, gazing skywards: The picture was used on the front cover of Picture Post’s August 31 edition, sadly published a week after Gillman’s tragic loss. Gillman can be seen wearing the standard B Type Flying Helmet, with D Type Oxygen Mask and Type 19 Microphone assembly, but the stand out item are the Luxor ‘12’ goggles, nonchalantly settled on his brow. This image has since become synonymous of the Battle of Britain, and perhaps has exaggerated the true extent of the 12’s operational use. Though a number of period photos show the 12’s being worn, it must be accepted that they were purchased by a minority (a wealthy minority) and certainly not by the majority of aircrew. Interestingly the headgear Gillman can be seen wearing is not his own, but was shared between him and his fellow 32 Squadron pilots for that specific photo shoot. 'Grubby' Grice of 32 Squadron donning the same headgear as Gillman from The Illustrated London News: References: Special thanks to David Farnsworth and Mick Prodger. See also: Mark Hillier, The RAF Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot's Kitbag, (Fontline Books, 2018) Mick Prodger, Vintage Flying Helmets: Aviation Headgear Before the Jet Age, (Schiffer, 1995)

The update was completed at 8pm UK time, with a dozen items added to the website. There are some unique and rare items that have just been added so please take a look in the NEW ITEMS section! https://www.rafmilitaria.com/new-items Thank you to everyone for participating in the update. I was overwhelmed by the positive response, and I look forward to getting back to work on some interesting articles. Have a lovely weekend everyone, and stay safe.

To christen the proper launch of the website, I will be posting a selection of new items this coming Friday, 21st May, at 20:00 hrs (8pm UK time). The update will be relatively modest in size, but there are some rare and unique items I will be listing. There should be something for all budgets, and hopefully it will be a good way to kick-start the website into gear. If you manage to be on the website in time to purchase something you like, please click either the "GET IT" button, or alternatively email me directly, referencing the item in question, at rafmilitaria@gmail.com. I will reserve the item and message you personally to arrange payment and postage. I cannot foresee how lively the update will be, and will strictly operate on a 'first come, first serve' basis. Following Friday's update, I will get back into the swing of expanding the resources section of the website. I have some great articles in mind. Any future 'stock' updates may be confined to single item listings on an ad-hoc basis, so I encourage frequent browsing. All updates will posted on my facebook page as soon as they transpire, so please like and follow: https://www.facebook.com/rafmilitaria Lastly, thank you for all the positive and encouraging messages of support. I really do hope the website is of a value to you all. Happy hunting! Ben

From my private collection is this early WW2 RAF headgear set dating from 1941. The set comprises of an early, first pattern C Type Flying Helmet wired with the 10A/7063 receivers and Type 26 microphone assembly, fitted to a Type E Oxygen Mask. The E Mask was the first rubber mask introduced by the Air Ministry. Early versions like this utilised a flimsy leather strap arrangement to hold them in place, found to be unsatisfactory for pilots pulling high-G turns. The C Type Helmet has been fitted with adaptor plates for the Mark IV Series Goggles, and is shown with a pair of Mark IVB Goggles and the third-iteration “Screen, Antiglare” (flipshield) with the short exposed spring mechanism (now very rare to find). The oxygen hose has been fitted with the Mark IVA adaptor to enable it to be connected to a short adaptor tube and 6D/101 connector for use with the constant-flow oxygen systems found on older aircraft. These early braided hoses are very hard to find these days.

To help get the website underway I have set up a Facebook page, which I will use as an interactive platform to post about any updates and exciting plans I have in store. You can find the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/rafmilitaria Please like, follow and share to help get the word out about this website! I have some great articles in the pipeline, and a new update of items for sale which will be uploaded very soon.

As I look to keep expanding the website, I have added a new page focusing on the dealers and specialists who help to make this hobby tick. Find the page here. This page will be an ever-growing resource, and I will look to regularly expand it as and when I have further recommendations I can supplement the page with. Should you have any recommendations, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I always welcome any input!

Welcome to RAF Militaria! My name is Ben Edmonds and I have been collecting Flying Clothing and Equipment of the Royal Air Force ever since I was a young boy. This website will be an explorative means for me to document and share some of my collection, whilst offering a platform to sell certain items from time to time. I am not a dealer: just an honest collector happy to engage with any fellow enthusiasts. Please have a good look around my website, and get in touch if you have any questions, suggestions or general feedback. Happy browsing!