RFC pilot uniform information

kollaps · 24 September 2015, 06:32 AM

Hello everyone!

My name is David and I’m a student at the Antwerp fashion academy. For the start of the second year we are required to re-make a historical costume based on a picture of our choosing. I picked a picture of this RFC pilot from around 1919. The costume is meant the be historically correct, which means I’ll also have to make the under layers according to the original uniform. So far I have not been able to find a lot of information about the underwear in specific and I was hoping maybe someone here would be able to help with this.

Any leads/tips into the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

MikeMeech · 24 September 2015, 08:53 AM

Hi

Probably the best publications for RFC/RNAS/RAF uniforms of WW1 are Andrew Cormack's (was RAF Museum's Keeper of Visual Arts, Medals and Uniforms before retiring) two Osprey books 'British Air Forces 1914-18 (1)' Men-at-Arms 341, and 'British Air Forces 1914-1918 (2)' Men-at Arms 351.
The pilot in the picture is from a Scottish regiment wearing tartan trousers under his 'Fug boots'. You will need to know his regiment to get the correct tartan.

Mike

MASTIFF · 24 September 2015, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kollaps

Any leads/tips into the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

Hi David,

If this picture is from 1919, then this not an RFC pilot. The Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged on 1 April 1918 to become the Royal Air Force. To be totally accurate, you will need to know if the pilot is wearing RFC or RAF wings on his tunic. Sadly, I can not get enough resolution to tell.

The aircraft is a Bristol F2B Fighter, widely used by the RFC and RAF from early 1917 well into the early 1930s. So this photo could fit anywhere within that time frame. Meaning that you may need to look for info up to that latter date in your search.

I hope that giving you these expanded parameters might help in your quest.

Cheers,
Tony

Addendum: Perhaps other Forumites who specialise in helmets and goggles might narrow the search dates for you.

Graham Broad · 24 September 2015, 06:29 PM

Checking out this particular machine on the incredible website Airhistory I find that it crashed 09/08/19 (only entry in the movement files). It was assigned to 141 Squadron. A Lt GR Baker and Lt. Holland were the pilot and observer. This pilot might be one of them. David if you PM me I can get you the service files for those pilots from FindMyPast, which I have a global subscription to. It might tell you their regimental backgrounds, which would help with uniforms.