LUFTWAFFE VS. RAF FLYING CLOTHING OF THE AIR WAR, 1939-45

For the first time, an up-close and serious examination of the various different patterns of flying jackets, suits, headgear, boots and gloves worn by the courageous pilots and aircrews of these two great adversaries during World War II, by one of the most knowledgeable people on the subject. Also included is a look at some of the more bizarre and experimental outfits as well as the standard flying kit for different climates and regions, with a special section on electrically-heated clothing. 

This book looks at the parallel development of flying clothing in the Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force, and the surprising influence each country had upon the other. More than 500 photographs, over 400 of them in full colour, identify full fly-ing kit and clearly illustrate how it was worn. An invaluable reference source for collectors, re-enactors, artists, modellers and historians, or anyone with an eye for vintage fashions, this latest book by Mick J. Prodger, author of " Vintage Flying Helmets " is the first in a two volume set on the subject. The companion volume features in-depth studies of life preservers, parachutes and other personal equipment, including escape and survival items of the Luftwaffe and RAF.

All types of parachutes and harnesses, life preservers and the origin of the "Mae West" nickname, inflatable boats, survival tools, weapons for self-defence, and even some of the paperwork and personal items carried by the airmen of these two opposing air forces. Study the sophisticated rescue and survival equipment available to Luftwaffe crews, alongside the clever, yet often brilliantly simple devices which enabled so many RAF flyers to evade capture for so long, some eventually making it home through occupied Europe.