Hello from a newb... and a request for help

[Nemesis7485]

Hi lads and ladesses,

Firstly I gotta say what an awesome forum this is and I'm looking forward to diving in and getting involved. While waiting for my account to be activated, I've spent quite a few hours trawling through the threads, and although I couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for, I came across many very interesting discussions which easily distracted me from my quest.

Now to that very quest. I'm currently working on a project, which is currently classified as "Top secret", for which I need some really good colour photos/pictures of a complete 1932 pattern Mae West as worn by RAF pilots in 1940. Prefferably, they need to show one being worn, from the front, sides AND back.

I know this may be a tall ask as I've spent days Googling for them without success. If anyone has some or knows where to point me to find some, I would be very gratefull.

many thanks in advance.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Welcome Nemisis

I hope this helps

Reenactor

 

[Sgt Brown]

I'm out of town and cannot check my copy, but you might want to see if you can find a copy of RAF vs Luftwaffe (Luftwaffe vs RAF?) by Mick Prodger. The book does a great job of covering the flight gear of both sides.

Tom

 

[Nemesis7485]

Thanks guys.

The pics are great and I'll also be ordering that book, too

 

[aswatland]

Welcome to the forum. I would suggest you join the RAF Collectors/Re-enactors Forum where all types of flight gear it discussed. Here's the link: http://www.network54.com/Forum/180748/

 

[Smithy]

Welcome Nemisis

I hope this helps

Reenactor

Carlisle Blues, this is totally wrong for what Nemesis is after, what you have posted in the reenactor pic is an American issue "Mae West".

Nemesis, if you are after what RAF pilots wore during 1940, then the most common was the 1932 Pattern Life Jacket.

If you give me a day or so I'll post some pics of one.

Also as Andrew has pointed out, the RAF Reenactors board is a very good place to have a bit of a shufti around.

Cheers,

Smithy



EDIT:

Oops forgot to say Nemesis that Pegasus offer repros of the '32 for 160 quid. Bear in mind also that the original '32 came in a grey-green shade not entirely dissimilar from the colour of Sidcots, they were started to be painted yellow in mid 1940 with the air battles over the Channel, however you still see photos of the original shade of colour into 1941. Here's the link for Pegasus, HTH...

http://www.pegasusmilitaria.com/index_fichiers/raf.htm

 

[Spitfire]

Check out this thread:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=47287

Allthough it's about flying helmets - there are som shots of lifewests too.
Welcome aboard, Nemesis 7485!

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Carlisle Blues, this is totally wrong for what Nemesis is

Thank you for pointing that out

 

[Nemesis7485]

Wow! Thanks for all your help, guys. I've been checking out the various links you all posted and have found some very useful pics. You've also opened my eyes to the world of RAF reenactment groups, too.

Thanks again, all. You rock