The Luftwaffe Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot's Kitbag: Uniforms & Equipment from the Summer of 1940 and the Human Stories Behind Them

by Mark Hillier

Overview

Reichsmarschall Gring told Hitler that it would take less than a month for his much-vaunted Luftwaffe to conquer the RAF and pave the way for the German invasion of Great Britain. His prediction was to prove disastrously wrong, but for four long months his pilots and aircrew fought for their lives in the skies above the UK.From their bases in continental Europe, the Luftwaffes fighter pilots escorted the great bomber fleets that sought to destroy the RAFs airfields and installations, and tackled the Spitfires and Hurricanes deployed to defend Britains towns and cities. Whilst much has been written on the titanic struggle for supremacy fought throughout the summer of 1940 and of the men and machines of both sides, little attention has been paid to what the pilots wore and carried with them in the air.All the objects that a Luftwaffe fighter pilot was issued with during the Battle of Britain are explored in this book in high-definition colour photographs, showing everything from the differing uniforms, to headgear, personal weapons, gloves, goggles, parachute packs and the essential life jacket. Each item is fully described and its purpose and use explained.Fly with the Messerschmitt Bf 109s and Bf 110s across the Channel and see what the Luftwaffe aircrew wore as they took on Fighter Command in what was justly called the Battle of Britain.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473849969
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	01/31/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

MARK HILLIER is a chartered surveyor who has a deep knowledge of the history of the RAF, with a particular focus on the Second World War. He is also a qualified pilot, having flown for more than twenty-two years, including many flights from the former RAF Westhampnett, now Goodwood Aerodrome. He has previously co-authored a number of successful books on aviation and has written the biography of Wing Commander Thomas Murray.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Acknowledgements ix

Note on Images x

Section 1 Flying Helmets 1

Section 2 Oxygen Masks 18

Section 3 Goggles 23

Section 4 Flying Clothing 30

Section 5 Lifesaving Equipment 48

Section 6 Service Dress 74

Section 7 Other Flying Equipment and Paperwork 120

References 136

Bibliography 137