Essential Kit for WWI USAAF / RAF Followers

[PADDY]

THERE'S loads of us in here who love vintage military, whether its allies or axis, RAF or USAAF.

Today, I was just going through my mind, all the "uniform" things I have collected over the years to fuel my interest in the ARMY AIR FORCES (Corps).

Once you get all the BIG BUYS under your belt, like a good leather A-2, B3, B6..or whatever, you start to focus in on the smaller details, like the shoes, or the belt buckle...etc.

When I started out on this long road, it would have been a big help if someone had told me about the sorts of things to look out for, where to get them,and the rough cost of each item.

So how's about, as a team, we start to list the "essential kit" you feel should be got, where to possibly source it and what one might pay for it...

Shall I be mom and take the lead then...

Well my "MUST HAVE" item, is...

Chocolate officer's shirt (dark green).
For me, the chocolate looks the business (khaki is ok, but choc rocks!!).
Really good repros at Eastman leather Company in the UK.http://www.eastmanleather.com/
Aero are thinking about doing them.
What Price Glory I think do a version
Try WWII Impressions too.
http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/eastmanleather/customerimages/products/offshirt.jpg
Cost at ELC, £64.99 (approx $100 US). For US customers, try Charlie at HPA.
But you can pick originals up on Ebay for anything between $30 (US) to $80 (US), and if you are patient, a good one will come along at a good price!
Also, the Rangoon shirt by Eastmans' come up on Ebay too, so could get a second hand one for a great price :-)

[Zemke Fan]

Great idea for a thread, Paddy. More folks should have picked up on it. I am going to make two posts: (1) bare essentials; and (2) my current shopping list.

BARE ESSENTIALS:

WINTER CLASS A UNIFORM
1 chocolate (dark green) tunic
1 pair pink (taupe) pants
1 chocolate, pink, or khaki shirt
1 chocolate tie
1 pair tan or brown socks
1 pair brown shoes (preferably low quarter russets)
1 OD web belt
1 chocolate crusher with eagle cap device

FIELD UNIFORM
A-2 jacket with squadron patch
1 khaki shirt (or winter chocolate or pink)
1 pair khaki trousers (or winter pink)
1 khaki web belt
1 pair tan/brown socks
1 pair service shoes or low quarters

INSIGNIA, ETC.
2 rank insignia (min. Lt.)
1 pilot wing, 3" tunic size
2 ribbon bar with 3 ribbons
2 U.S. wing and prop collar insignia
2 U.S. collar insignia
1 pair dogtags
1 AAF ID wallet

[Zemke Fan]

Here's my shopping list. Believe it or not I have had some EXTRAORDINARY luck finding many uniform items in my size (46L). My Summer Class A is complete except for the tan crusher and the russet low quarters. My field uniform is complete except for the roughout service shoes and an A-2 (soon!). My Winter Class A is still missing both the Ike jacket and the chocolate tunic. As for insignia, I have about two thirds on the list including lots of duplicate wings. (I guess you could say that I have DEFINITELY got the collecting bug!)

AAF WWII Uniforms

1. Winter Class A with Regulation Tunic and Ike Jacket
2. Summer Class A
3. Field Uniform (khakis)

WINTER CLASS A
1 regulation chocolate tunic
1 Ike jacket
2 pair chocolate trousers
2 pair pink trousers
1 chocolate wool shirt
1 pink wool shirt
1 khaki wool shirt
1 chocolate wool tie
1 pink wool tie
1 khaki wool tie
3 pair cotton socks (tan or brown)
1 pair low-quarter shoes
1 OD web belt with AAF buckle
1 chocolate garrison cap (general?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s gold braid)
1 chocolate garrison cap (officer?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s black/gold braid)
1 chocolate crusher cap (with cap device)

SUMMER CLASS A
1 regulation tan jacket
1 pair matching trousers
2 khaki cotton shirts (poplin or broadcloth)
1 khaki tie
1 khaki garrison cap (officer?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s black/gold braid)
1 khaki crusher cap (with cap device)
1 khaki web belt with AAF buckle

FIELD UNIFORM
1 A-2 flight jacket
1 M1944 field jacket
1 pair khaki cotton trousers
1 pair British khaki cotton trousers
1 British khaki shirt (poplin)
1 khaki shirt
1 OD garrison cap (officer?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s black/gold braid)
1 pair service shoes (high) reverse uppers

INSIGNIA, WINGS, ETC.
6 Col. rank insignia
6 Brig. Gen. rank insignia
1 Senior pilot wing, 2" shirt size
1 Senior pilot wing, 3" tunic size
1 Command pilot wing, 2" shirt size
1 Command pilot wing, 3" tunic size
4 RAF wings, small size
2 56th Fighter Group DI
2 31st Fighter Group DI
2 Ribbon bar with 5 ribbons
2 Ribbon bar with 3 ribbons
2 Presidential unit citation
4 U.S. wing and prop collar insignia
4 U.S. collar insignia
8 DAF insignia (bullion or cloth)
4 8th AAF (bullion or cloth)
4 XII Tactical Air Command (bullion or cloth)
1 B&L sunglasses with prescription lenses
1 Regular glasses with bifocal lenses
1 pair dogtags
1 AAF ID wallet
1 USN Frogman watch*

SQUADRON PATCHES
2 61st FS
1 62nd FS
1 334th FS
1 308th FS
1 307th FS
1 415th NFS

*Justified on the basis that my "boys" gave it to me after I "ended up in the drink" a SECOND time.

[PADDY]

WHAT a great addition to this thread! yes, sometimes these threads lie hibernating for a while and then someone like your good self picks up on it! And didn't you do it with flair, style and panache!! VERY INFORMATIVE for all those boys out there interested in AAF uniforms and building up their collection. Thank-you!

[Mycroft]

I am kinda new to this subject, but what about a tie clip and a crusher weather cover?

[PADDY]

FUNNILY enough, the wet weather cover for the crusher sprung to mind with me at the Duxford show this w/end past. As it was rather wet and inclement, so an elasticated cover for the crusher would have been a handy addition. As for the tie-clip, well when not wearing your Class A's, your tie would be tucked into your shirt so that only the top piece is showing (I'm sure you've seen the pics). With Class A's there's no real need for a tie clip or pin as the tunic is buttoned up high enough to keep the tie fixed in position, looking flat, sharp and neat! Tie clips are for civvies my friend, but a good and original point to raise! nice one, cheers. :cheers1:

PS: By the way MyCroft, that avatar really gives me the willies whenever I see it! haha. :confused: :eek: Spooky!

[Zemke Fan]

Paddy: Any idea WHERE to score one of those crusher covers?

[Mycroft]

FUNNILY enough, the wet weather cover for the crusher sprung to mind with me at the Duxford show this w/end past. As it was rather wet and inclement, so an elasticated cover for the crusher would have been a handy addition. As for the tie-clip, well when not wearing your Class A's, your tie would be tucked into your shirt so that only the top piece is showing (I'm sure you've seen the pics). With Class A's there's no real need for a tie clip or pin as the tunic is buttoned up high enough to keep the tie fixed in position, looking flat, sharp and neat! Tie clips are for civvies my friend, but a good and original point to raise! nice one, cheers. :cheers1:

PS: By the way MyCroft, that avatar really gives me the willies whenever I see it! haha. :confused: :eek: Spooky!

Still it scares you after all this time, it's Sandman or rather a moder n rendition of him. "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself!" Anyhow, I have seen films of WWII pilots with tie clips, maybe officers only.

[Zemke Fan]

I've even seem some photos with collar bars on soft collar shirts. However, most of the ties in my collection would look truly awful if they were seen untucked from a shirt or visible through an unbuttoned tunic. They are WAY to short and many had ugly ends. Not much need for a tie clip, I'm afraid!

[PADDY]

There are a few folk on the internet who will reproduce you AAF WWII style (with the little nip out of the tag) dog tags.
Also, I'm pretty sure there's a guy in Canada who reproduces ID papers in your name and rank..etc, and of course you can get the AAF ID papers leather wallet with the AAF motif embossed on the leather (Garcia Aviation I think). All little extras that add to the overall affect and look!

Let's face it, if you are going for 'the look' you might as well DO IT RIGHT. Cutting corners with cheap and nasty 'look-a-likes' just destroys the right look.

http://www.freewebz.com/usaaf/page1.html

Look at these...

http://www.geocities.com/mambi66/m1940dogtagchainhome.html?200514

http://www.cleverforgery.com/

www.garciaaviation.com/

http://members.tripod.com/33rdscb/id30_l.htm

Tally-ho!! bandits at 12 0'clock high!!

[Zemke Fan]

I've made some changes/additions to my lists above to reflect your suggestions. Brgds, ZF.

[Jake]

Zemke, who is your avitar?.....Is It Col. Zemke?...Jake

[Zemke Fan]

Zemke, who is your avitar?.....Is It Col. Zemke?...Jake

It is indeed! For FL readers not familiar with "Hub" here is a summary: Colonel Hub Zemke was one of the greatest fighter group comanders of the ETO. Zemke's 56th Fighter Group, the "Wolfpack," was credited with 665 aerial victories, leading all fighter groups in the ETO. Zemke himself had 17.75 confirmed victories in 154 combat missions.

[PADDY]

The flying overalls, which you can pick up at a decent price, if you are patient, on Ebay. But you seem to have plenty of good vintage shops too in the US where you might find a pair!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Paddy_Middleton/P-40b.gif

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Paddy_Middleton/SummerFlySuit.jpg

[pvs4]

I noticed that we are looking for authenticity in dog tags.

http://www.dogtagsrus.com/images/Dogtag_History/Renney1_ea.jpg

The notch in the dog tags was used from WWII thru 1969/1970. The history of the notch can be found at:

NOTCH LINK (http://www.dogtagsrus.com/dog%20tag%20notch.htm)

The notch was for the Addressograph Model 70 medical imprinter. History on the Addressograph Model 70 can be found at:

ADDRESSOGRAPH MODEL 70 LINK (http://www.dogtagsrus.com/addressograph%20model%2070%20notched%20dog%20tags. htm)

http://www.dogtagsrus.com/images/unsorted/model70-1.jpg

The notch in the WWII dog tags is the single most distinguishable feature of the dog tags of the era. There are many rumors that the notch was a "tooth" notch. This theory is false and the truth can be found at the links above or at snopes:

SNOPES LINK (http://www.snopes.com/military/notch.asp)

We have spent a lot of time in compiling the history of dog tags and have posted it on the net for everyone to read. Many people ask me to make "reproduction" tags for them and I tell them that each tag is hand crafted and we do not make "reproductions," we make REPLACEMENTS. Many times we will have people send us photos of existing tags and we make exact duplicate replacements down to the exact spacing.

Hope these links help for those seeking authenticity.

Kobie
DogTagsRus (http://www.dogtagsrus.com)


There are a few folk on the internet who will reproduce you AAF WWII style (with the little nip out of the tag) dog tags.
Also, I'm pretty sure there's a guy in Canada who reproduces ID papers in your name and rank..etc, and of course you can get the AAF ID papers leather wallet with the AAF motif embossed on the leather (Garcia Aviation I think). All little extras that add to the overall affect and look!

Let's face it, if you are going for 'the look' you might as well DO IT RIGHT. Cutting corners with cheap and nasty 'look-a-likes' just destroys the right look.

[Zemke Fan]

Just ordered the WWII dog tags from these folks and I've got to tell you guys that the whole experience couldn't have been better. Several kind and prompt emails, and all for a $7.00 order. Go figure! Highly recommend Dog Tags R Us! Kobie, what GREAT customer service. Thanks again!!

[The Wingnut]

Little details for your flight gear:

ETO - never wear a pistol. They were death warrants. Conversely, you'd be foolish to fly in the Pacific without one. Airsoft .45s are your best best if you want to remain safe about it, mine came from a local mall cutlery shop for $23. It would be a 30 second affair to remove the orange plug from the barrel...I suggest if you do this, you don't make it obvious and claim that you bought it that way. It's a felony to remove them! Pistol belts got in the way of gear, so shoulder hosters were the norm, and they were usually worn uder one's life vest but over a jacket.

Channel whistle - typically an 'Acme Thunderer', hooked with a jump ring through the wind flap closure loop on your A-2. You can see mine in this pic (http://www.thewingnut.com/images/aaf/portrait_3-1-03/47.jpg). Aero Leather of Scotland is currently offering repros, complete with King's Crown stamps and serials. I bought mine about 10 years ago in a local surplus shop, anticipating the day I'd buy a decent repro A-2. They're still in production and unchanged, just without the stamp, which is accurate either way.

First aid packet - this ties onto your parachute harness, and is the same item as a paratrooper's kit, often seen strapped to the front of their helmets. They're rubberized canvas and are supposed to be glued shut to waterproof them, with notches on either end to allow you to tear them open. Mine has a real unissued carlisle bangade that I found cheap inside of it, if you're actually going to put something in it, you'll want one or two morphine syrettes and a carlisle bandage or at least the carton for one. Don't have a source for these, but I know that What Price Glory used to offer them.

I.D. bracelet - these vary so much that there's no way to really pin any one style down. Many were simple sterling private purchase bracelets with the wearer's name, serial, and possibly rank engraved on them. I have one that's a stainless steel band(possibly from an exhaust stack / shroud section) cut and bent to shape with a set of propwings neatly attached by the pin posts which have been inserted through drilled holes and hammered down to form rivets. Many that I've seen are shirt size wings with a chain attached at each wingtip, some even full size wings. They're fairly common, or you can make one yourself pretty easily. They were more for flash than practicality.

Knife - Many officers were issued M3 knives, and these were strapped to their legs or stuffed in their boot tops, much in the paratrooper style, and used for the same purpose. Mine is a bone-handled carbon steel 5" clip-point bladed classic hunting knife with a custom sheath that has leg straps permanently attached. Private purchase hunting knives were pretty common. They get expensive, however. I went the easy route and bought one new at a fraction of the price of an antique, then had the sheath made.

Scarf - it doesn't have to be white, it doesn't have to be silk, it doesn't have to have an AAF logo on it..heck, many were knitted by loved ones back home! I have three, one from my grandpa, one that's definitely '30s with vertical satin and matte stripes running through it(very dressy), and a repro with the AAF logo embroidered into it. These were private purchase as far as I know, I've never heard of an official issue scarf. The idea isn't so much decoration as it is to keep your otherwise exposed neck warm, and silk scarves had the added benefit of letting you really swivel your head around looking for fighters without rubbing your neck raw against your shirt or flightsuit collar.

Footwear - don't run out and spend a fortune on a good pair of rare A-6s if you can help it, especially for a fighter impression. Those huge boots made it hard to feel the pedals. Many fighter crew wore double buckles, low quarters, '36 Pattern RAF boots(my choice, I have Aero's repros), some guys even wore cowboy boots! There were probably a few frozen toes as a result, but electrically heated inserts and many layers of socks were also used. Keep in mind the climate for the impression you're doing, as well...guys flying in Italy, North Africa and the Pacific probably were wearing mostly low quarters, garrison shoes, or roughouts!

Navigation cases & aids - few pilots flew without a case full of charts, computers, and plotters. D-4 computers are convenient for fighter pilots, they fit right in the patch pocket of an A-2.

Kneeboards - not often seen, but a nice touch. They became more common late in the war.

Microphones - If you're wearing a mask, make sure you've either got a T-30 throat mike or a in-mask mic. These didn't stay in the plane, or shouldn't have.

Penlight, pencils - can't find it right now, but there was an issue penlight and pencils...these were indispensible for navigation.

I'm sure I'll think of more.

[PADDY]

Zemke, which version did you go for, ie: 1938 or 1942..? as I know Kobe has both machines (what an enterprising little blighter!! good on him). Also, how did you decide what info to put onto them? And how 'well read' is Kobe and his dad on the proper serial numbers for different branches of the services?

AJ...Damn fine piece my friend!! I have a 30s dark maroon scarf that I use! You've got me thinking (as usual) on further kit to get. Have hummed and haaa'd over a pair of 1936 RAF boots (just because they are the dogs b*llocks for flight boots, although I do like the later version of them with the canvas uppers!! all vanity I guess!! lol). But, how often would I get to wear them? not 'that' often in reality. Probably just stick to my RM WILLIAMS Aussie boots (based on the original 30's Drover's boot).

Anyone mentioned buoyancy aids? Quite a few to choose from out there (original and great repros), from the pre-war RAF, to WWII RAF, to early war USAAF to late war USAAF. Then you have the Luftwaffe Kapok ones too!! decisions decisions!!

[Zemke Fan]

Zemke, which version did you go for, ie: 1938 or 1942..? as I know Kobe has both machines (what an enterprising little blighter!! good on him). Also, how did you decide what info to put onto them? And how 'well read' is Kobe and his dad on the proper serial numbers for different branches of the services?

Not sure WHICH version I went for... but Kobe helped me fill out the remainder of the information. Gave them proper blood type, religion, and my wife's name/address as the "contact." Told him to give me an appropriate "fake" serial number. (Didn't want to give my social security number out of privacy concerns.)

[PADDY]

Think I'd go for the 1938 version, and get an original WWII to go with it (see the Reference Library). I'm pretty sure I noticed on Pearl Harbor (how geekish is this!!) that they didn't use original type chains, but modern ones! Attention to detail on that movie was abit slap happy!! There were BIGGER mistakes made that were more obvious. What a shame, as I feel that could have been a knock-out movie with the money being thrown at it.
Glad your experience with Kobe was a good one!

[pvs4]

Howdy Gang . . .

Let me clarify one thing . . . there is no difference between the 38' and 42' dog tags other than that the machines were made in 38' and 42'. The style of WWII tag is still the same.

The 1938 machine is my favorite because it is the first machine I ever owned and it is still my work horse machine that I count on everyday.

The WWII and "WWII era" tags all have a notch in them - the history and explination of the notch is beyond the scope of this post if you wish to review the "notch" see previous posts on this forum.

One thing that was different between tags was the text format. The text was different from year to year mostly dependant upon where the tags were issued, what branch of service, etc. Nothing was standardized on the text until right before WWII.


http://www.dogtagsrus.com/images/outside/711MARY37_small.jpgThis ad id from 1925, you can clearly see the Graphotype machine behind the desk where the woman is sitting. I used this ad because I liked the man's hat.

We have 19 machines in our collection. One machines dates from 1901. Now hold on - before you say 1901 ! - I want 1901 dog tags, there is a problem.


TAG MACHINE COLLECTION (http://www.dogtagsrus.com/projects.htm)

The military did not adopt the WWII dog tags until the late 30's. Prior to the 1930's the military ID tags were round, made of aluminum and where hand stamped using a special kit.

Which by the way we do have three (3) of these "kits" in our collection.

I have posted photos of the WWI "kit" on the web at WWI KIT. (http://www.dogtagsrus.com/wwi_dog_tags.htm)

The 1901 machine is a class 6100 or G1 Series machine; it is a hand operated machine that weighs in at 111 lbs.

It is these machines and the history behind them that has me interested in the dog tags. The whole era of when these machines were produced has me greatly excited. One of the things we hear from people all the time is "They don't make them like that anymore . . . ", our reply is No, these were made the way things used to be made, made to last.

Honestly if the machines are taken care of they will work well into the next century and beyond. Our collection of machines is a living museum; all of our equipment works or is capable of work. Watching or looking at things behind glass as in a normal museum is fine but it is much more interesting to see the machines operate in person.

At public sales venues we develope quite a following of on-lookers. Some people will stand in aw and watch the machines operate for 30 minutes to an hour. Others become emotional as it brings back memories of the past for them. One thing is for sure, these machines mean different things to different people.


http://www.dogtagsrus.com/images/outside/gs17_editedhardsmall.jpg

This is me running my 1938 machine at a local show.

One of the most memorable experiences was a man that was stationed in the Pacific during WWII who stood there for a while watching the machine before he became very emotional. When asked if he was ok he said . . .


Yes, I was stationed on a ship in the Pacific during the big war and it was my job to run one of those Graphotype machines. While I had a lot of good times I cannot imagine how many 1000?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s of tags I made for brothers that did not ever come home. . .
We love to show our machines off and we encourage people to come and inspect them close up and in person. They only thing we will not allow is for the public to operate the machines, they are dangerous when in operation for someone that is untrained or unskilled such as children. But none-the-less, we have our ?¢‚Ǩ?ìgroupies?¢‚Ǩ? that come to watch the machines and we welcome them with open arms.

Graphotype machines are found all over the world and were originally patented in 1896. They are STILL in use today but were largely replaced by computers with the advent of the dot matrix printer in the early 1980's. So many of these machines have been carted off to the dump or land fills and others are just left to rust away.

At one time the Addressograph-Multigraph company was one of the most powerful companies in the world. Addressograph and Multigraph merged in the 1930's and became Addressograph-Multigraph Co. It was this merger that accelerated AM Co. into one of the most influential companies in history. Almost every industrial nation and large company world wide were affected by Addressograph-Multigraph and their products.


HISTORY OF ADDRESSOGRAPH-MULTIGRAPH (http://www.dogtagsrus.com/addressograph%20graphotype.htm)

The actual dog tag machine called a Graphotype was really a support piece of equipment. The Graphotype did not start out as a "Dog Tag" machine. The Graphotype was support equipment that made debossed address plates for the Addressograph machine. When the government went looking to standardize the military Identification Tag they wanted a machine that could make the tags and commissioned several different studies. With the outbreak of the war the government decided why reinvent the wheel and they adopted the Graphotype as their standard "ID Tag" machine.

The Graphotype then became the de facto standard for making ID Tags until the mid 1980's when computerized embossers became available. Graphotypes are still in use today by both the government and in the commercial sector, though not as many as before computers.

The Graphotype was discontinued as a manufactured product in the early 1980's and has not been made since. Addressograph has completely dropped the line and no longer supports the machines.

We are always seeking contributions from anyone if it relates to Addressograph, Graphotypes, dog tags or military can openers. We have been trying to assemble a section of testimonials from outside contributors. Currently we have several submissions but have just not had the time to publish everything we have. We have approximately 80 more pages of information to publish and if time permits we will get to some of it soon.

Yes DogTagsRus (http://www.dogtagsrus.com) is a business but it is much more than that for me and my father, it is a passion. I hope everyone finds this information interesting and informative.

Kobie
DogTagsRus (http://www.dogtagsrus.com)

http://www.dogtagsrus.com/images/outside/kobieanime_small.jpg

[Corey]

Not to divert the conversation away from dog tags, but I noticed in an earlier post Paddy mentioned getting the Eastman Rangoon AAF Officer's shirt. Just received mine from History Preservation Associates a couple of days ago. Great quality, but when they say "fitted," they're not kidding! I normally wear a 16 1/2 x 34 dress shirt, but the 16 1/2 x 35 Rangoon is just a little too tight through the chest to be comfortable. I plan on exchanging mine for a 17 neck. Just in case anyone else was thinking about getting one ...

[Zemke Fan]

Corey:

Thanks for the heads up. I'm looking forward to ordering a Rangoon shirt in the next few months and glad to know that they run a bit small. Have had some success in purchasing NOS (new-old-stock) from an eBay supplier in recent weeks and I'm VERY glad to be in possession of some from the period.

ZF

[Gray Ghost]

I have seen a lot of reenactors on the net say that the beaded chain is wrong for WWII reenacting, because they did not exist at that time and that the proper chain is the link chain. I am afraid that they are wrong on that subject. I have my father's dog tags with the orginal chain that he got in 1943. The chain has never been replaced and it is the beaded chain. Some of the linked chains that I have seen were from department stores and the add said something to the effect of buy this for your soldier. I am not saying that the linked chain was not issued but that the beaded chain was also issued. I have seen alot of original dog tags with the beaded chains. My father was in HQ Squadron, XIII Fighter Command, 13th "Jungle" Air Force. He was stationed in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and the Phillipines.

GG

[PADDY]

That's comforting to hear about the beaded chain, as I was deliberating about getting the other linked style which some would argue was the 'original' type. But as I haven't had much 'hands on' with original tags, I haven't been in the best position to establish 'what' type of chain was the correct WWII US version. Many here will be glad to have read about your 'visual' of your dad's original. Thanks!

[Gray Ghost]

When I get a chance and I learn how to put pictures on this site, I will post a picture of same.

Paddy, I have not forgotten you about my pictures, I have been so busy and have had to deal with a lot of deaths lately and my father now has alzeheimers. I will get those pics of me to you soon.

GG

[Mycroft]

When I get a chance and I learn how to put pictures on this site, I will post a picture of same.

Paddy, I have not forgotten you about my pictures, I have been so busy and have had to deal with a lot of deaths lately and my father now has alzeheimers. I will get those pics of me to you soon.

GG

Sorry for your losses(that was a bit blunt) and best of luck with your dad.

[MrBern]

Not to divert the conversation away from dog tags, but I noticed in an earlier post Paddy mentioned getting the Eastman Rangoon AAF Officer's shirt. Just received mine from History Preservation Associates a couple of days ago. Great quality, but when they say "fitted," they're not kidding! I normally wear a 16 1/2 x 34 dress shirt, but the 16 1/2 x 35 Rangoon is just a little too tight through the chest to be comfortable. I plan on exchanging mine for a 17 neck. Just in case anyone else was thinking about getting one ...

Did the color compare favorably to an original?

[Gray Ghost]

Thanks Mycroft. It has been a tough road but I will get through it. I have a lot of older friends, people who actually lived the time that we celebrate, and they are passing away. They will be sorely missed but never forgotten. My father is old enough to be my grandfather, so I grew up in an old family with old values. My father was in WWII in the Air Corps and my Grandfather was a merchant marine in WWI and helped sink a German WWI era U-boat off of Nova Scotia. I have definetely been blessed. I would not trade it for anything.

GG

[Maj.Nick Danger]

.........but looks awesome with a dress uniform, is the Sam Browne belt in russet brown. Looks great alone or with a few leather accessories. I found a nice one on ebay for about 60 bucks.

[Mycroft]

.........but looks awesome with a dress uniform, is the Sam Browne belt in russet brown. Looks great alone or with a few leather accessories. I found a nice one on ebay for about 60 bucks.

I acually just pick one of those up new from World War I though, they run high at shows, but are worth it, so nice and well made.

[locobuster]

Through my research I have come across a document showing what was issued to a newly arrived replacement pilot at King's Cliffe, the Home of the 20th Fighter Group in mid-1944. I thought maybe someone might be interested.

Issued were:
1 Bag assy Flyer's, Clothing Type B-4
1 Bag Aviators Kit
1 Pair Glasses, Flying, Sun
1 Goggles assy Flying Type B-8
1 Helmet, Flying Type A-11
1 Helmet Flying, Summer Type AN*H-15
1 Pair Inserts, Glove, Rayon
1 Jacket, Flying Type B-10
1 Mask, Oxygen Type A-14
1 Pair Shoes, Flying Type A-6
1 Suit, Flying, Summer, Poplin
1 Pair Trousers, Flying Type A-9
1 Computer, Time & Distance
1 Watch, Wrist, Type A-11 (Ser. No. 43-134492)
1 G-2 Suit
1 Pistol Cal. 45 (Ser. No. 1577068)
1 Dingy (British) K-Type
1 Helmet British Type C-1

[J.B.Saxon]

Howdy flygirls, hello flyboys, hi bunch,

Lately I got my A-4 parachute harness. The chest hooks had been cut off and were gone. I had to do some research and finaly a new pair of hooks arrived last thursday. Today I finished to sew them on. Right after that I felt like taking some pics of what I collected so far. Take a look and let me know what you think.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/DSC01627aWW2Medium.jpg

Semper Fi

[PADDY]

I can just tell looking at that photo, the huge amount of effort and I daresay expense you have gone to JB, to clinch that authentic 40's AAF look!!! Outstanding MAXIMUM EFFORT!!

Now, I'm pre-empting what the other guys will be thinking here..."WHERE on earth did JB source all that kit to get such a great look?"
So maybe, when you have a spare moment, you could work down the photo from top to tail, explaining what the piece of kit is, and where you got it from (and any little customisations you might have made to make it all more vintage and authentic!).

Really appreciate the effort there JB in sharing that with us, and look forward to hearing more from you in the near future!!

Kindest Regards,

[DiabolicalAngel]

Hey JB ! Way to go ! You do look the part !!! Are you going to Duxford like that? :eusa_clap

[J.B.Saxon]

Paddy, DiabolicalAngel,

thank you for the compliments, my head is still red…:o

Okay Paddy, after being pushed into this thread I know you are right in requesting some information about my impression.
First of all I have to say that most of the shown items are found at ebay – worldwide - , I guess that’s not new to the most of you.
While my research on the web and some helpful books I learned to be patient buying on ebay. The prices are sometimes too high, but from time to time I got the items for an acceptable prize.



From head to toe:

- original IDed OD Rogers Peet officers cap with Luxenburg Eagle Insignia, I removed the wire and the grommet and gave it the crusher look by soaking it in water and modelling it – thanks for the tip Paddy! After that I attached a nice old back strap and resew the visor by hand, because the thread on the seam was rotten.

- original HS-33 head set with ANB H-1 receivers by Western Electric

- vintage aviator glasses Sans Sol with green lenses

- original Western Electric T-30 throat mic from FlyBoyPlus, I also got one from shure Bros. in original box – the back strap is missing

- original SW-141-V switch, complete ( I got it for 1 pound in Germany – a t-45 lip mic was included lol – BINGO ! )

- original Mae West B-4, dated 1945, by the Seamless Rubber Company, water dye package, CO2 inflators and CO2 capsules included

- original H-4 parachute harness with quick release button, including an yellow inspection tag which can be seen in the book GEAR UP, the tag reads H-4 06.08.194x inspected for storage, the hooks for the chute were missing, after long research in the web I found a chute vendor for modern stuff which sells some military hardware in the US too – ParaGear.com, they got what I was looking for, resew the hooks by hand and it was nearly complete – back pad is still missing :mad:

- Reproduction A-2 jacket with a hand painted squadron patch, a hand painted 9th AAF patch and a reproduction dingy whistle as well – Robin did a great work on the patches, the watertransfer decal gives it a nice look too. I am looking for a horsehide jacket, so better lets change subject here :whistling

- Collar insignia , a Meyer marked two tone prop and a captains bar insignia on an original, unissued V Command Military Uniforms Officers Regulation shirt

- original service tie

- the 1943 dated class C pants with 1943 dated Officers belt, the original 1944 boxer shorts and the 1941 dog tags and chain reproduction can´t be seen here, they are hidden underneath the

- original AN 6550 garbadine summer flying suit by Reed Products Inc.

- I wear a swiss made Borea watch which my father brought back from the US POW camp where he was released in 1946, I attached a reproduction Type A-11 hack wrist band

- original AAF stamped B-3A summer flying gloves by Aris Gloves Corp.

- socks – no comment :D

- nicely reproduced ankle boots from Hong Kong – they are more authentic than the old dutch jump boot look-a-likes, which I sold recently :whistling

- and last but not least a 1945 dated A-4 parachute pack with original chute log, it is packed with wrapping foil and a 14 feet canopy – just for getting the feeling of silk inside…the rip cord was missing, but I got one at Garcias´


I also collected some more stuff which also can´t be seen on the pic:

- original B-4 Officers Garment Bag
- original parachute kit bag
- original Officers brief case, I put some flight computers and gear in it
- 1021 Poloroid goggles
- several wings and other insignia, sterling and gold covered pilots bracelets, original watertransfer decals
- original nearly new A-9 oxygen mask with Juliet – the hose is in the postage right now, Bells Aviation could deliver
- AN-H-15 summer flying cap, by Bates Shoe Co, with ANB H-1 receivers by Utah, Boston and Y-cord, last came from FlyBoyPlus
- tan garrison cap with black/ gold piping, a chocolate one is on the way to my home
- B-1 winter flying pants by Wavershoe Trimming Co.
- B-9 winter gunners mittens, by Ken Wel Sporting Goods, with inner gloves
- A-11A winter flying pants by Ben Greeholtz
- several old and reproduction web gear and weapon related leather
- personal items like old waterproof match cover, original tobacco pouch, mess kit, folding knife
- and many more nice little things



Browsing books is also a nice and helpful thing. You can check old photos with magnifiers and find out what the guys are wearing. Here are my favourite books:

American Flight Jackets , Maguire & Conway
Gear Up! , Jon A. Maguire
Combat Flying Clothes, Sweeting
Illustrated Catalog Class 13 , US AAF Reprint from 1944
Government Issue – US Army ETO Collector´s Guide , Henri Paul Enjames



and my favourite links:

www.thefedoralounge.com :eusa_clap
www.ebay.com ;)
www.bellsaviation.com
www.garciaaviation.com
www.flyboyplus.com
www.a-2-art.com
http://wing.chez-alice.fr/ETO_Militaria.html
www.hardscrabblefarm.com/ww2/1940_lh.htm
www.303rdbg.com/uniforms-gear.html
www.327th.org/Living%20History.htm
http://ww2reenactors.proboards35.com/
www.paragear.com/default.asp






@ DiabolicalAngel:

As I posted in an older threat we are travelling to Duxford by motorbike. We are bringing camp equipment and stuff, so we are not sure if we will have enough space to bring the whole kit. Crusher and flying suit for sure – we will see.
I am looking forward in meeting yall!

Thanks to all posters here which helped a lot on my researches and thanks again for your interest!

Semper Fi

J.B.

[J.B.Saxon]

Last post I told you that I am still looking for a back pad for my A-4 QAC parachute. I was browseing the web again and only found expensive ones.:(

Last week I decided to try to reproduce one. I bought some old tent fabric, some inches of webbing and a piece of felt batting at a felt store - all was just a few Euros.
Today I sat down did the research on the right size, got my wifes´ sewing machine and started on that project. It took me 6 hours to finish it. Now I am proud of the result and decided to share it with ya´ll. What do you think?

1. cut the fabric into right pieces

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/collection/DSC01696Small.jpg

2. scrabbled a stencil and put it on.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/collection/DSC01697Small.jpg

3. cut the webbing into strips, fastened some vintage snap on buttons and sew them on. Now I sew the fabric together, first on 3 sides, filled the `sac´ with the batting and closed the last side. DONE

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/collection/DSC01703Small.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/collection/DSC01702Small.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/collection/DSC01701Small.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/collection/DSC01700Small.jpg

I am very satisfied with it.:D


Semper Fi

J.B.

[BellyTank]

Perfect!
Well done indeed.

Now you can SELL it for a small fortune and make another...
A plan forming...

B
T

[Marc Chevalier]

Yours looks great, but I ain't gonna jump out of a plane with it! ;)

[PADDY]

JB, that's just fantastic!! and inspiring to the rest of us to what can be done if you just put your mind to it. How did you do the stencil by the way? Looks great!!!
Now, show us a pic of you in the kit with that on your back (front and back)!!! You're a star!!!

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Excellant job JB!
I just bought a leather navigator's brief case,....with no key! lol
But no matter,.....I will make one at work and when I open it maybe I will find some fascinating bit of history inside. I will post it here if I do. :)

[J.B.Saxon]

@BT : it is a good idea to sell it and make more...but how about the fun? ;)

@Marc : I wouldn´t jump either with it - just use it as a break chute for my bike. lol

@Major : That sounds like a pirates´adventure...looking for the treasure, good luck! :D
I am looking forward in hearing from what is in it! Pics are always welcome.

@Paddy : The AIR FORCES stencil is not done by me, it is from Garcia Aviation , but the SWITLIK stencil comes from a custom stencil box and did I many of that kind.

I don´t want to be a star, I just want to give back, of what I found here to get my impression in a right way. I handcrafted many items for different impressions of different eras, especially leather goods and so I tryed it and got it.

Here are some more pics:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/DSC01714Medium.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h267/jbsaxon/DSC01715ww2Medium.jpg

Let´em fly

J.B.

[DiabolicalAngel]

Way to go J.B. ! You have the total look ! All you need is the plane.......Duxford here you come !! Do you know how to hotwire a B-17???

Well done mate !:eusa_clap

Cheers,

Roy

[J.B.Saxon]

Roy,

me and my saddle partner (or must I say co-pilot?) have a B-17 flying manual. Maybe we will high jack one? :whistling

[fortworthgal]

J.B. Saxon - that sewing job is fantastic! Great job!


I have seen a lot of reenactors on the net say that the beaded chain is wrong for WWII reenacting, because they did not exist at that time and that the proper chain is the link chain. I am afraid that they are wrong on that subject. I have my father's dog tags with the orginal chain that he got in 1943. The chain has never been replaced and it is the beaded chain. Some of the linked chains that I have seen were from department stores and the add said something to the effect of buy this for your soldier. I am not saying that the linked chain was not issued but that the beaded chain was also issued. I have seen alot of original dog tags with the beaded chains. My father was in HQ Squadron, XIII Fighter Command, 13th "Jungle" Air Force. He was stationed in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and the Phillipines.

GG

Here's what I've found on this. The linked chain (M-1940) was standard issue, but the beaded chain was available for private purchase in the PX. Sometime around 1944 (I am not exactly certain of the date), the beaded chain became issue. Technically both are "correct" for WWII, but obviously if you do an earlier impression, the linked chain is going to be more accurate. Personally I prefer the look of the M1940 linked chain, but the beaded one doesn't seem to tangle/twist up as much.



We have 19 machines in our collection.

TAG MACHINE COLLECTION (http://www.dogtagsrus.com/projects.htm)

That is an amazing collection! My husband and I just acquired a 6300 series machine. I do not know the dates, but as far as I know it is functioning as it was used until very recently.I will have to upload some photos of it when we get it unloaded and in place!

[PADDY]

For those that are interested in the USAAF. These are shots of myself 'when' I was very interested. Much of these items are now sadly packed away (safely).

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc260/ROSSANDHARRY/PaddyFlyPast2.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc260/ROSSANDHARRY/PaddyinUSAAF009.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc260/ROSSANDHARRY/PaddyinUSAAF003-1.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc260/ROSSANDHARRY/PaddyinUSAAF012.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc260/ROSSANDHARRY/WEE_WILLIEPIX011.jpg