RFC pilot in fancy uniform

[pfrost]

Since people liked the NZ observer photograph, I thought I would post another British pilot picture. I guess this guy is wearing his best dress uniform. I especially like the hat and sword.

Anyone feel like expanding on the uniform, please be my guest. Any information would be great.

P. Frost

[leigh kitchen]

The helmet is supposed to be representative of a leather flying helmet apparently, but adjusted to make it suitable as an item for dress wear.

[RoyA]

I believe that would be early RAF.

Roy

[leigh kitchen]

Think the helmet still survives as a uniform item, worn by the band, & still "on the books" for oficers.

[pfrost]

Think the helmet still survives as a uniform item, worn by the band, & still "on the books" for oficers.

Does the plume represent something?

The only thing missing is an ermine lined cape and a silk stocking ascot!

[leigh kitchen]

It's certainly a strange looking lid, but at least it does'nt include goggles.

[Tod Rathbone]

RAF Full Dress or Parade Dress

This is a great shot of an RAF full dress or parade dress uniform. The hat is in fact supposed to look like a flying helmet and is called a busby. I have one of these to F/L Henry Cecil Sawyer, who was a regular service officer in the RAF between the wars. He went to Cranwell and was in the BOB. He was killed on active service in a night take off and landing exercise. The Burberry made uniform is dated 1937 and I think he probably only bought it for the coronation. Most junior officer's simply rented the rig as it was so rare you would need it.

Tod

[Tod Rathbone]

From the book

Customs and Traditions of the Royal Air Force. I have scanned the pertinent information. By the way, if anyone has that belt, busby and sword, I need it to completethe Sawyer outfit.

Thanks.

Tod

[Tony Farrell]

RAF dress busbies are very rare items. The dress worn by the various bands of the RAF are of a different pattern - though the tunic is based on the early design. RAF bandsmens' busbies today bear more of a resmbleance to those worn by the Light Infantry & RGJ bandsmen. The dress brocade belt is the only surviving item still in use.

[vicjoy1945]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but, somewhere in my recollection, I believe this RAF busby was referred to as the "baboon's arse" because of its peculiar appearance !!

[Garth Thompson]

Thought everyone might enjoy seeing the uniform in the flesh. The uniform comes with trousers and sword belt, alas no sword. Named to M.F.Hendry. Maxwell Fredrick Hendry, 37805, KIA 24/09/1940, Squadron Leader 139 Sqdn. at time of death.

Garth

[Garth Thompson]

Close up

[Garth Thompson]

Wing close up

[Garth Thompson]

Next is the infamous RAF Busby. This one is unattributed.

[Garth Thompson]

Rear view