altenate AAF flight jacket for re-enactor

[Theo J.]

Sometime back, there was a posting inquiring about an acceptably authentic flight jacket which wasn't as heavy as an A-2 or an M-41. The best bet is a first-pattern HBT jacket (which you can get from At The Front Militaria). They're light, comfortable, and w/ suitable decorations would look like any number of the ones worn on-duty in warm to temperate climates; ATF's version is pretty reasonable (in cost) and quite well made into the bargain.

 

[Hawk_Eye]

I'd go for a B-10 myself. Nice and light, comfortable, and clearly a flight jacket.

 

[cco23i]

Some of the fighter units were wearing tankers jackets.

Scott

 

[DutchIndo]

Or if you were a P-38 Pilot in the 13th AF you wore nothing (skin). I talked to a Pilot who said he couldn't wait to get to altitude where it was cooler. It was hard enough putting on a salted sweat crusted helmet let alone a shirt.

 

[MPicciotto]

Looking over crew photo's of the 490th BS "Burma Bridge Busters" who were operating at low altitudes in the jungle. I noticed a trend to remove the sleeves from the flight suits. They appeared to be standard flight suits tailored to short sleeve. Not rolled up either.

Matt

 

[Theo J.]

alternate AAF flight jacket for re-enactor

Thanks for your posts, everybody---I think the original bloke was looking for something light enough to wear while earthbound, yet eye-catching because everyone else doesn't have one (but AUTHENTIC, mind you). What Sherlock Holmes called an "admittedly meritricious effect"....

 

[Gene]

Some of the fighter units were wearing tankers jackets.

Scott

Yes! Much less expensive than a repro B-10 and correct.

Gene

 

[Eyemo]

I have an original M41 field jacket that was worn by a 352nd FG Pilot. It's has a silk escape map made into a pocket...

 

[H.Johnson]

Buzz Rickson used to do a repro first pattern (patch pocket) tanker jacket with a variety of USAAF patches. I have one for sale with a 315th Squadron patch.

 

[Cigarband]

Or if you were a P-38 Pilot in the 13th AF you wore nothing (skin). I talked to a Pilot who said he couldn't wait to get to altitude where it was cooler. It was hard enough putting on a salted sweat crusted helmet let alone a shirt.

The Pilots had a major temperature problem with the P-38.
They won't fly with the side window open, it destroys the planes aerodynamics. It was almost the only thing they didn't like about the Lightning.:eusa_doh:

 

[kampkatz]

Theo, if you just keep looking over all the WW2 photos of pilots you will find a variety of outerwear worn by US aircrew. Some were customized. Enjoy your research.

 

[Theo J.]

Thanks for the thought---I got drawn into Warbird flying via a T-6 formation flight in 1971, and collected old flying jackets/helmets/flight suits for years (all of it museums now). My posting was intended to help another guy who clearly hadn't prowled all the archives yet. But I appreciate your response.

 

[jeep44]

There is always the wool ETO jacket-a very common jacket worn by ground crews and others in the AAF.

 

[cco23i]

There is always the wool ETO jacket-a very common jacket worn by ground crews and others in the AAF.

And don't forget the British BD's used by U.S 8th, 12th AF service men as jackets also.

Scott