RFC cold weather uniform? Possible bomber crew?

[billy4294]

Anyone know if the chap in the fur and leather hat could be RFC? I have seen images of similar style uniform to them. I think the other chap could be bomber crew. The rear of the postcard relate to this chap. If you enter the serial no. in as a general search, it comes up as a RN ship sunk by a uboat!
Billyh

[Toby Purcell]

The coat and hat are of Canadian design and were issued to RFC for extreme cold weather operations. The flying suit is a “Sidcot” type introduced during WW1 and in constant development and improvement through to WW2 and on into the 1950s. The zipper indicates that it is a 1930 pattern Sidcot (also the boots), the WW1 type fastened by buttons.

The Canadians had been Britains subject matter experts for operating in cold climate since even before Queen Victoria’s reign, but during her time specialist uniforms, mittens and headwear were designed and issued of which the fur cap became a particularly iconic type. The coat was lined with lamb skin.

[arrestingu]

yes Toby is spot on with his analysis ! RFC WW1.
regards Steve

[billy4294]

Thank you both. Toby, what a great detailed piece of information. Did you try searching that serial number. I have no idea why something that relates to an RN ship being torpedoed, should be on the rear of the card.
Billyh

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by billy4294

Thank you both. Toby, what a great detailed piece of information. Did you try searching that serial number. I have no idea why something that relates to an RN ship being torpedoed, should be on the rear of the card.
Billyh

Can't find any obvious link , could it be a photo of a relative/friend that was in with the personal effects of the seaman ?

HMS Naiad - Roll of Honour 11th March 1942

TARRANT, Cyril W, Able Seaman, P/JX 194365, MPK
(Portsmouth)

From CWGC :

Died 11 March 1942

Age 21 years old

Buried or commemorated at
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

Panel 65, Column 1.

United Kingdom

.

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by billy4294

Thank you both. Toby, what a great detailed piece of information. Did you try searching that serial number. I have no idea why something that relates to an RN ship being torpedoed, should be on the rear of the card.
Billyh

I’m not really able to help with your search beyond the uniform details Billy. They appear to be different men to me. The Sidcot suit shows a WW2 man. Where did you get the connection with the RFC from?

[billy4294]

A bit of confusion here Toby. No link to RFC. I was referring to the details on the back of the WW2 card, no link to RFC. I only mentioned the serial no. In case it had an RAF link I had missed, and not just the RN ship sinking. Could just be a random number and odd coincidence, or as mentioned, a relative, or friend. It would be odd not to mention the friends name underneath though
Bilyh

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by billy4294

A bit of confusion here Toby. No link to RFC. I was referring to the details on the back of the WW2 card, no link to RFC. I only mentioned the serial no. In case it had an RAF link I had missed, and not just the RN ship sinking. Could just be a random number and odd coincidence, or as mentioned, a relative, or friend. It would be odd not to mention the friends name underneath though
Bilyh

Roger that. Understood now, thanks Billy. All photos have the look of 1930+ and I’m intrigued about where he was to justify the cold weather gear. I wonder if it was supporting the arctic convoys.

[Insignia]

The boots in the second photo look like RAF 1940 pattern issue

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by Insignia

The boots in the second photo look like RAF 1940 pattern issue

Yes with the zippers. It’s definitely a WW2 era photo.

[dumdum]

Originally Posted by Toby Purcell

Roger that. Understood now, thanks Billy. All photos have the look of 1930+ and I’m intrigued about where he was to justify the cold weather gear. I wonder if it was supporting the arctic convoys.

Hi

We had a dear old late friend who had a photo like this of himself taken in Canada. Has the look of a posed photo that everyone wanted taken....

[grey_green_acorn]

The airman in the right hand photo has a flying helmet fitted with ‘Gosport Tubes’ which I believe date from the 1930s to very early WW2. Typically to allow an instructor to communicate with a trainee.

https://www.blightymilitaria.com/en-...2#.Y48TuC2ny-o

Tim