WWII RAF Coastal Command Irvin Flying Jacket & Trousers Explained | Military Antiques Toronto

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The RAF Coastal Command Irvin Flying Jacket and trousers are iconic pieces of World War II history, showcasing the innovation and practicality of military aviation gear. These items were essential to pilots and crew members serving in harsh conditions. Today, collectors and enthusiasts seek them out for their historical significance and craftsmanship. In this discussion, we explore the unique features, design elements, and preservation challenges of these exceptional garments, highlighting their importance to military history.

The Irvin Flying Jacket is synonymous with World War II aviation. Designed for use by the Royal Air Force, it provided warmth and durability in freezing high-altitude environments. The Coastal Command and Fleet Air Arm versions of the jacket stand out with their distinctive yellow hoods. This feature ensured visibility during rescue operations over water, a vital consideration for aircrew safety. Even if the hood was removed, traces of the yellow fabric on the jacket’s back remained, marking its original purpose. The jackets were constructed with bonded leather and lined with sheepskin, providing both insulation and strength.

One of the defining characteristics of these jackets is the variation in panel design. Early versions featured a two-panel construction, followed by the three-panel mid-war design, and the more common four-panel construction later in the war. These changes reflect the evolving manufacturing techniques and resource availability during wartime. The jackets were equipped with robust lightning zips, or occasionally Air Ministry-marked zips, ensuring reliability. Over time, the leather tabs attached to these zippers often deteriorated due to age and usage. This makes finding jackets with intact tabs a rarity, adding to their collectible value.

Proper care and storage were critical to preserving these jackets. If left hanging in a cupboard without attention, they often suffered from leather cracking, disintegration, or chain breakage. The chain used for hanging the jacket, located inside the collar, was prone to wear and tear over the years. Labels, often lightly tacked inside the jacket, could also become detached. This makes original labels with clear Air Ministry markings, wartime dates, and size indications highly sought after by collectors. For example, this jacket, dated 1942 and marked as size 5, is a prime example of authenticity and historical accuracy.

Moving to the trousers, they are far less common than the jackets but equally significant. These trousers, designed for use with the Irvin Flying Jacket, provided comprehensive protection against cold and wind. Like the jackets, they were constructed from bonded leather with sheepskin lining. The trousers often included functional features such as pockets for storage and suspender straps for secure wear. The suspenders, however, were frequently lost or discarded over time. Their presence in a well-preserved pair of trousers is a rarity, making such items particularly valuable.

The zippers on the trousers also carried Air Ministry markings, a testament to their authenticity and connection to wartime production standards. Labels on the trousers often indicated the size, such as size 8 in this case, providing measurements for waist, seat, and length. Although some labels lacked dates, their Air Ministry marks confirmed their origins. The preservation of these trousers is particularly challenging due to the bonded leather construction. Over time, the bonding process often leads to cracking, further emphasizing the importance of proper storage and care.

In addition to their historical and functional significance, these garments highlight the challenges faced by wartime production. The transition from heated to non-heated versions of these trousers reflects the evolving needs of aircrew and resource constraints during the war. While the heated versions are rare and highly collectible, the non-heated variants still represent a crucial part of RAF gear.

The overall condition of these garments is critical in determining their value. Many surviving examples are heavily damaged due to the passage of time and improper storage. However, well-preserved pieces, like the ones discussed here, stand as remarkable examples of wartime craftsmanship. The jacket and trousers featured are in excellent condition, considering their age. While signs of wear and cracking are inevitable, their overall integrity and preserved details make them valuable artifacts for collectors and historians alike.

Today, these pieces are not only prized by collectors but also serve as educational tools, providing insights into the lives of RAF personnel during World War II. They tell stories of bravery, innovation, and the harsh realities faced by aircrew members in their missions.