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Paul Bellamy
10/23/2006 6:11:35 PM | This may seem a silly question,
But in the crew photos in the Blue Book there's an awful lot of B-9 (parka-type) flying jackets in evidence, something that isn't seem a lot at other 8AF bases in the pictorial record.
So..... was Deenethorpe particulary chilly, or did the QM have a load of B-9s handy, etc?
Sorry for this, but I'm still trying to complete my 401st Aircrew kit display, and am genuinely interested. I also apologise in advance for any further kit questions that may arise. 😉
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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donaldbyers
10/25/2006 8:43:27 AM | I am sure that you will find that Station 128 was quite cold as england weather can chill you to the bone. Try going through the gallery photo's of aircraft crew's.
Sgt. Donald C. Byers, 613th Bomb Squadron, Togglier, 42-97344 Carrie B II, KIA 08/24/1944.
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EDanaII
10/25/2006 5:29:41 PM | I'll ask my father and see what he says, Paul, but I suspect the answer will be "yes" for two reaons. One, 'cause he was born and raised in Arizona and anything below 60 F. (16 C.) is considered "nippy" to a Zonie. And, two, he served from November through the Battle of the Bulge and beyond... You KNOW it was cold then. 🙂
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EDanaII
10/27/2006 9:51:01 AM | All right, as expected, the answer from dad was that is was, in fact, a particularly cold year for him. Can you check the dates for when most of those photos were taken? If they were taken during the winter of 44/45 you might find your answer there.
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Paul Bellamy
10/27/2006 11:43:57 AM | Cheers for that,
I'll go back through the photos for dates.
A lot of them are winter scenes, but a lot aren't. 😉
Incidentally, I can vouch for the effectiveness of insulation on late-war cotton/alpaca flying kit. I drove a 43 jeep to Holland and back last month wearing my original B-10 jacket and A-11 overtrousers, and even in the driving through the night I was still toasty-warm. First time I've been warm in a jeep.... ever! 😉
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
6/26/2007 6:07:29 PM | It's been a long whle since I posted in this thread, but I thought I'd let you know how the kit collection is coming on:
Saturday saw the long-awaited arrival of a B-9 jacket, which ended up making itself useful in the wind and rain at RAF Twinwood over the weekend. It needs a few repairs and a good cleaning and re-proofing when I get a chance.
I found a complete F-3 electric heated suit in January, and the leather gloves (reproduction) to complete this arrived this morning.
Still on the to-find list:
A6 flying boots, large (size 9-11 US)
F2 felt flying boots and inner bootees. (size ditto)
F2 suit outer layers. (I have the heated inners)
M3 flak helmet.
M4 leather covered flak helmet.
M4A2 cloth covered flak helmet.
Rayon glove liners.
A4 or A8 chute harness.
zippered first-aid packet.
RAF or A-11 flying helmet (med/large).
If anyone can point me in the direction of any of these, please let me know.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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