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WWII FLYING HELMET TYPE 'B MASK TYPE 'D' and  RCAF GOGGLES, 1940

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WWII FLYING HELMET TYPE 'B MASK TYPE 'D' and RCAF GOGGLES, 1940

Helmet Mask and Goggles used during the Battle of Britain by RAF crews. The helmet was made by I.Compton & Sons & Webb Ltd .

Mk3 RCAF Goggles. 1935 Royal Canadian Air Force Type
Introduced around 1935 Mk3 Goggles used curved celluloid lenses fitted into narrow blackened metal frames with velveteen cushions and large leather surrounds intended to protect the wearer from the elements (most RAF fighter aircraft in service in the mid-1930's were still in open cockpits). these were superseded by the Mk4 version as the the Mk3's strap fouled on the earpieces of the type 'B' helmet. the Mk4 is far more likely to have been used during the Battle of Britain.

Your comments:

  • The microphone displayed with this set is a type 21, these were first introduced in October 1940 so just a little too late for use in the Battle of Britain. The type most commonly used was the type 19 chamois leather covered microphone as seen in period photos.
    .......... Jb, Sussex, 18th of January 2013

  • The MkIII goggle was superseded by the split lens glass MkIV when it was realised that the MkIIIs melted when a cockpit fire broke out thus
    giving the pilots no eye protection from severe burns.
    .......... Steve Roberts, Yaxley, Huntingdonshire, 25th of February 2012

  • I recently acquired on of these from my (now deceased) Grandpa, as well as his entire RCAF collection. In excellent condition. He served as a Bomber Instructor, from Hamilton Ontario CANADA. He was training for the invasion of Japan, in England when the War ended. His collection is remarkable, and a cherished gift.
    .......... Ian Meyers, Fonthill, Ontario CANADA, 2nd of January 2012

  • The mkIII goggles were actually superseded by the mkIIIa which didn't have the leather padded surround as they were designed for closed cockpit aircraft. This type of goggle was extensively used during the Battle of Britain
    .......... Robin Pettifer, Littlehampton, 11th of November 2011

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