RNAS uniform info

[StrutterGunner]

Can anyone give me information on RNAS uniforms, circa 1916. Anything at all would be appreciated, different types, photos, uniform history. I tried looking through the old posts but I couldnt find much. Can anyone help me here? Thanks

[greatwarpilot]

I seem to remember a thread in the past few months regarding RNAS dress that was to help a modeler get a diorama right. Namely the discussion centered on the issue of RNAS personnel wearing OD uniforms while on the continent and the more traditional naval uniforms for more formal duties.

If anyone reads this who participated in that discussion I'd be interested in hearing a little more detail on the nature of the OD RNAS uniform that saw service.

[Romani]

Strutter,
The thread you are looking for is "Black Flight uniform"

It seems that RNAS wore the same flight gear as RFC pilots, and on the ground would wear RFC khaki uniform too, though occasionally they are seen with navy blues.

[jado]

The Osprey publication British Air Forces 1914-18 Men-At-Arms series by Andrew & Peter Cormack deal with RNAS also. You might try the Osprey website www.ospreypublishing.com

Joe

[MikeW]

and on the ground would wear RFC khaki uniform too

Not RFC Khaki - RNAS Khaki. I did post a photograph of the uniform.


Khaki was worn overseas, Navy Blue at home, though on rare occasions the odd person might be seen in blue whilst in France. Flying clothing tended to be personal and was pretty well indistinguishable from RFC attire. I suppose it all depended which military outfitter the individual purchased his flying coat and helmet from.

Mike

[StrutterGunner]

MikeW, that photo you posted of HS Broughall from Naval 10, is he wearing the normal navy blue cap with a khaki cover, or is it just a really dirty white one?

[MikeW]

StrutterGunner,


Its a navy blue "visor" cap, the visor being black and shiny, with a khaki cover. The RNAS cap badge was attached to a black band that fitted round the cap.

I had to drastically reduce the resolution to post it here, in the original you can clearly see that it's not a scruffy white cover.


Perhaps this shot of FSL Edwin Swale shows things a little better.

[MikeW]

As a contrast, here is a 1916 shot of the Blue uniform, in this case modelled by the baby eating scourge of useless pilots, Bert Bell. An Australian pilot who had 4 claims with Naval 3 and a 5th victory which he didn't claim as there were no witnesses. He went on from Naval 3 to command Naval 10 and 210 RAF.


I should mention the single pilot's "wings" on the left sleeve (right sleeve wings not introduced until 1917) and no wings over the breast pocket.

[StrutterGunner]

These photos are greatly appreciated. Its interesting to see the navy gold rank braid on a khaki tunic. Ive seen other photos with RNAS officers in their blues wearing grey trousers, instead of blue. Can you tell me anything about why grey was worn instead of blue in some instances, and for what reasons? thanks.

[MikeW]

I'm not sure it is gold lace on the khaki sleeves, the colour illustrations that I have seen show it toned down though I must admit it looks quite bright on Swales uniform.

You have me there on the grey trousers . Don't know.


Mike