Masters Of The Air - Flight Gear Worn By The USAAF

Masters Of The Air - Flight Gear Worn By The USAAF
With the imminent release of Apple TV's Masters Of The Air, the story of the 100th Bombardment Group in World War 2, there will be a lot of flight gear shown on the big screen that will change throughout the series as the 100th BG progress through the war from 1943 to 1945!
In this episode of WW2 Wayfinder I take a look at a range of flight gear used by the B-17 Crews, when it was typically seen being worn by aircrew of the 8th USAAF and when we expect to see it in Masters Of The Air.
It's not an exhaustive list of equipment but it will give you a solid foundation prior to the release of the series so you know what to expect when Masters Of The Air is released!
Based on Donald L. Miller’s book of the same name, and scripted by John Orloff, “Masters of the Air” follows the men of the 100th Bomb Group (the “Bloody Hundredth”) as they conduct perilous bombing raids over Germany and grapple with the frigid conditions, lack of oxygen, and sheer terror of combat conducted at 25,000 feet in the air. Portraying the psychological and emotional price paid by these young men as they helped destroy the horror of the Third Reich, is at the heart of “Masters of the Air.” Some were shot down and captured; some were wounded or killed. And some were lucky enough to make it home. Regardless of individual fate, a toll was exacted on them all.
The series features a stellar cast led by Academy Award nominee Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle and Nate Mann, who are joined by Raff Law, Academy Award nominee Barry Keoghan, Josiah Cross, Branden Cook and Ncuti Gatwa.
#mastersoftheair #austinbutler #callumturner #buckcleven #buckyegan #b17 #flyingfortress #boeing #bandofbrothers
#mastersoftheair #ww2wayfinder #usaaf #b17 #flyingfortress #100thbg #100thbombgroup #thorpeabbotts #history #historydocumentaries #reactionvideo #reaction #appletv #tomhanks #stevenspielberg #bandofbrothers #thepacific #movietrailer2023
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Reproduction Militaria mentioned in the video:
The Rigger Depot
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Pegasus Militaria
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Buzz Ricksons
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Sefton Clothing Co
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What Price Glory
www.whatpriceglory.com/
Eastman Leather Clothing
www.eastmanleather.com/

[@davidkalbacker6033]

I donated my later father’s uniform set to the 95th BG museum in Horham. This included his original crush hat and his canvas flight bag. He was B-17 pilot completing 35 missions in 1944.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow, I’m yet to make it to Horham but hope to next year. What was his name as I’d love to see his uniform on display there!

[@davidkalbacker6033]

@@WW2Wayfinder Warren T. Kalbacker.

[@dannymcreynolds1060]

​@davidkalbacker6033 my grandpa flew with your dad. Lt Col. McReynolds. April to August of 44, 95th BG 334th BS. Both of them piloted a plane called Able Mable during their 35 missions.

[@davidkalbacker6033]

@@dannymcreynolds1060 Wow you are so right. Great to meet on here. I am guessing to you have been to Horham UK?

[@dannymcreynolds1060]

@davidkalbacker6033 no, but it is on my bucket list. i watched a video of a horham reunion from around 2005 i want to say and unexpectedly found a video of my grandpa that i had never seen before. Great to meet you as well sir, amazing what our father and grandfather went thru for us to be able to be where we are today.

[@user-ne4ly3vh6b]

Thank you sir for doing this. My grandfather was a B-17 pilot. He was killed in the Scheinfurt raid in October 1943. I hope to visit the bases in England someday along with viewing his name in the book behind the alter at St. Paul’s

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You're most welocme. Do you know which BG your Grandfather served with? I'd be more than happy to advise you on planning any future trip to the UK so please let me know if I can be of any help!

[@waynekerr5645]

I’m lucky enough to live quite near to Thorpe Abbots and I can honestly say that it’s the most amazing place. The volunteers do an incredible job, but more than that, if you’re lucky enough to ‘feel’ the history of a place, then get yourself up into the control tower and gaze out over where the runways once teamed with aircrew and bombers, now returned to agriculture - it’s magical.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I love Thorpe Abbott’s (I highly recommend their Century Coffee by the way) and the atmosphere there is something else. I grew up near Harrington which was home to the 801st/492nd BG flying clandestine B24 Liberators and that old airfield has a similar feel. If you listen carefully you can still hear those big radials turnings…

[@user-sn6de5cq2e]

That airfield sentimental feel..truly captured in the opening scene in "Twelve O' Clock High, 1949, filmed at Eglin AFB), when Dean Jagger, as 918th former officer, returns to "Archbury" Field, England post-war. His character had found, and purchased the squadron ceramic namesake mug in a nearby village shop - an act that stirred him, memory, and desire to bike to the old field. He finds that agriculture, weeds overgrown, encroach the actual landing pavement. WHAT FOLLOWS IS MAGICAL (spoiler alert..) engines coughing, coming to life as he "returns to that time" of mission start-up, the ensuing camaraderie of his sqdn mates, thus, the narrative is propelled before the viewer...building on your precious insight here❤

[@77Cardinal]

Thank you. I once asked a B-17 bombardier from Missouri what his kit was when he was shot down over Germany in 1944. "We had whatever they gave us" was the answer. I appreciate this tour through the gear they gave him. And also, "Bill" would probably blush if he could see this video. He didn't think he was anything special. He was just doing his job so somebody else didn't have to and he could go home. About the crush hat. My Dad brought home the khaki one from his time in the Pacific along with his formal dress hat. He told me the regulation hat was issued with a celluloid band inside for proper shape and that flying officers took them out for comfort. It was against regulations but the look caught on and after a while everybody took them out and that became accepted except for dress uniforms. Well...that's his war story anyway. Cheers.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you for sharing that! They were an incredible generation and I’m so grateful for Bill and your Father and all of their buddies for doing what they did. As for the crusher caps, it’s funny as the RAF did the same thing, although the hats are constructed differently the more crushed and bent out of the uniform shape the better they looked I think!

[@DrMyEyes]

All of your videos are outstanding. The best war history on KZbin. Arguably the best channel on KZbin. Thank you for sharing your compelling knowledge of WWII with all of us who now live in freedom and democracy… and those who will.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say so. I hope it provides a good insight into the equipment the men of the 8th USAAF used during their time in combat and how it’ll appear in Masters of the Air when it finally comes out! Thanks again for taking the time to watch!

[@igotplasteredstan2008]

Well done again, I think you've surpassed yourself with all the information you've accumulated, this must have taken you ages. You have really worked hard on this, total dedication. Thank you for all your effort.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! I just hope it helps provide some context as to why equipment changed or what was worn and why when the series is released as clearly they won’t be able to do that so hopefully it’s a useful guide! Thank you for watching 😃

[@foxtrap8826]

Very interesting presentation. My Dad (Clifton Durkee) piloted B-17's, and later, B-29's as they became available, and I was exposed to a ;lot of the stuff he had and used. He was an avid shutterbug, and brought copious quantities of photos home. Unfortunately, most of that stuff was "lost in the shuffle" of time. The stories he had he did bring home though, and I was always enthralled with them. The men and women who fought in that war, as well as the others, are forever my heros. God bless their souls.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Do you know which BG he flew with when he was on B-17's? It's great he shared some of his experiences with you!

[@jeffsmith2022]

Amen...

[@geraldoram2453]

Fabulous research as always. Such a mass of information, thanks.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! I hope it helps explain how and why things were used and explains what we’ll be seeing when Masters of the Air finally hits our screens in January!

[@martysheets6882]

Love your work Brother, keep it Up.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! I’ll have quiet a few USAAF and RAF related videos over the coming few months, all alongside the usual stuff!

[@dnldcow]

Very informative well done video , always enjoy watching it gives a better understanding of some of the equipment used by our airman keep them coming .

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! I think it’s important to see how and why things changed through the 2 years the 100th were in combat as the series obviously won’t be able to explain it. It’ll just be really interesting to see how the series does cover the 2 years and I can’t wait to see the equipment used on the screen as there’s never been one film outside of wartime footage that got it 100% correct so I think Masters of the Air will be the closest we’ll get!

[@jasonmaccoul]

First class! And you have a natural look in wearing the pieces. Almost looks like you could time travel to that era and fit in!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! I’d have love to have been an extra in Masters of the Air as lots of my friends were but sadly work got in the way so for me this is the next best thing! Thank you for watching 😃

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Was just thinking that as well

[@afewminutesofhistory]

Fantastic as always mate! Can’t wait for Masters of the Air!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks mate! Masters of the Air is going to be epic when it’s released and I can’t wait for (if you couldn’t already guess 🤣)

[@jackshittle]

Amazing content, fantastic job. As a ex- U.S. Naval Aircrewman (on P-3C Orion's 1990-1995) one of our test questions would be "What is the most effective signaling device in all of your gear?" and the answer would be the signal mirror. In my era we had sea dye markers, day/night smokes (same item which dispensed smoke on either end), pencil flares, PRC-90 radio, signal mirror as well as two beaded handles which when pulled inflates a lobe around your neck and then two other bladders on your sides which you would then clip together. I enjoyed seeing the earlier versions of some of these items and how similar they still are.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! It's amzing isnt it that in 80 odd years aircrew equipment hasn't really altered that much, it's just made better for the most part. I think the biggest development is the advent of the helmet mounted queing system that's sprung up in the past 15 years or so. Other than that everything else is sort of the same which is crazy to think how far it progressed from the first war to 1939, and from 39 to 45!

[@williamantico7768]

I've been watching the Show. So far up to Episode 4. It's a really good show. I highly suggest watching it.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Agreed. I’m hooked on it and Episode 5, the Munster raid will be a tough one to watch given the mailing the 13th Combat Wing took that day.

[@richardhowell5390]

My father was ground crew safety equipment RAF Bomber Command WW2. From 1940-43 he was based in England then from mid 1943-46 the Middle East . Thank you for your channel I remember seeing the Nae West and parachutes

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you for sharing that about your Father! The job the Safety Equipment fitters did was so vital and their role today continues keeping the aircrew equipment in serviceable condition!

[@mikehinkle5761]

Well-done! And it's obvious you take a lot of care to keep it right, and take pride in your collection! My dad served in the 8th in the 50s. Thank you!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! I treasure the items and I have several uniform groups from aircrew as well that I couldn't really show on the episode but they are all prized possesions given what those men did all those years ago.

[@revere0311]

Love it, so much amazing information. Thank you for taking the time to create such an amazing piece of history!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching!

[@rafaelj.benero4880]

Excellent information. Very informative video. Thank you for your time making this video! Never forget those Brave Men that went to battle!...

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hopefully it helps add a bit of context behind the equipment seen in Masters of the Air and why it was used.

[@33rdusa]

Excellent information as always! Lots of vital details about that equipment. Your passion for the subject clearly shows through. Visiting the tower museum at Bassingbourn years ago (home of the 91st Bomb Group), I got to try on a heavy flak jacket. Just a small piece of the bulky equipment those men wore, and I gained a whole new appreciation for what they endured. And then to have people shooting at you on top of all that!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh nice! I haven’t had the time sadly to visit Basignborn yet but it’s on the list for late next year. Those flak jackets are incredibly heavy aren’t they! Makes you wonder with all their other equipment how they made it around the aircraft just doing their assigned roles let alone trying to treat wounded buddies or fend off fighter attacks! They will always have my complete respect and admiration!

[@terrym3837]

Bassingbourn museum is closed now

[@michaelquinn7711]

Absolutely awesome Jon, I’m new to this channel and have been watching it in the past few days, the content and presentation is brilliant, Master of the Air episode was outstanding. As ex RAF and been/served in many of the old bomber stations along the RAF A1, I full appreciate content and work gone into these presentations. Well done and thank you. Per Audra Ad Astra.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel! Many moons ago I spent time on JFH at Cottesmore and I love that part of England for the RAF history there. At some point I plan to document as many old airfields as i can as they are very special places. Thanks for watching.

[@MikeMontgomery1]

My grandfather, CW Sellon, was a co-pilot in the 350th squadron of the 100th BG. I've got his uniform and two of the crusher caps, cloth maps, checklists and other items he used. Thanks for this video, it's so interesting to see everything.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow thank you for that! You must be so prou of your Granfathers service! Have you had his effects framed at all? I did that with my Grandfathers wartime medals and uniform items and I'm really glad i did.

[@MikeMontgomery1]

@@WW2Wayfinder I have not, but that's a good idea. I move quite often and have been afraid to damage anything so I have it all in fireproof safes. I also have his footlocker and have a few things in that too.

[@troyplumer8589]

Good job on the video, sir! Marvelous to have this info. in advance of the Masters of the Air series. Thanks to you and those who may have helped. Take care!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome! I’m now counting the days until the 26th and it’s release!

[@highestsprings]

Really enjoying these series, well researched and helps to bring the era alive. Keep these videos coming, thanks.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you that’s great to hear! Just nice to be able to share my passion for that time and the history associated with it! And I can’t wait to see it when Masters of the Air is finally released!!! Thanks again for watching

[@corn-delta]

I like how „Masters of the air“ sparks the interest on details of topics i have been wondering about ever since i watched „Memphis Belle“ as a kid. Thank you so much for this detailed and nicely made video! I appreciate all the information and the passion that went into making it! Best wishes from Germany!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@suepalin9202]

Band of Brothers was superb and, IMO, Damian Lewis's best performance. Having read Donald L. Miller's book, I'm very much looking forward to this mini-series which should be an excellent tribute to these brave men. It's good to see that there are small, privately-funded museums on some of these old USAAF bases as permanent reminders of their sacrifice.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

The museums in the UK are very special. Each has its own unique feel and it’s lovely to stand on the old airfields and soak up the atmosphere. For me Masters of the Air will be the defining wartime series as I think we’ll finally be able to see the magnitude of those daylight raids!

[@suepalin9202]

Some of those airfields have an unnerving atmosphere which is hardly surprising given the fatalities incurred on those places - Thorpe Abbotts is just one airfield which is said to be haunted. The daylight raids were slaughter in the skies above Occupied Europe. The courage of the USAAF (and Bomber Command) crews must never be forgotten. Thanks, Jon!@@WW2Wayfinder

[@bettylaselli2048]

​@@WW2Wayfinder thank you, thank you, thank you very much for sharing ❤

[@jive091]

Me too 👍

[@jamessandy9300]

Thks for this video. This is the best one ever for ww2 crews

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You're most welcome.

[@herefordshireregimentalmus8771]

Great video, superb work!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks mate! I’m counting down the days for the 26th January when I can really geek out!!!

[@boblill8476]

Another job well done, thanks very much . Very well thought out scripts , great audio recording .

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hopefully it helps provide some background to the equipment and gear shown on Masters!

[@ronaldleigh1933]

been going to Thorpe Abbotts since 1987 - had several vet friend s - from one visit to TA started something big - great narration - thanks

[@WW2Wayfinder]

It’s a wonderful place isn’t it! Must have been incredible to see it from the late 80’s to now. Every time I’ve been there it always feels very peaceful. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewwhittaker4097]

Fabulous research and detail never found on modern TV documentaries.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! It’ll be amazing to see it all in the new series when it’s released next month!

[@davidk7324]

Very helpful information. Thank you.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bugs5644]

wow,.. lots of good info . thanks. cant wait for the series.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you and likewise! January the 26th is already marked on the calendar and I’ll be taking the day off work to really enjoy it as soon as it’s available!

[@A14b19]

Great collection absolutely great

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!! It’s a labour of love collecting it all. I have a range of uniform groupings as well from various Bomb groups that I’d like to do a video on at some point and tell the stories of the men they belonged to

[@MikeS-ear2ear]

Great video, very informative. Looking forward to more detailed info about the Masters of the Air series .

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hopefully it provides some details they perhaps weren’t able to put into the series for whatever reason.

[@SIBSKYHAWK]

Thank you Awesome job.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@jazzclarinet2006]

A fantastic video! You truly know your stuff and have an amazing collection.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Always lots to learn but I really enjoy diving into the books and trying to find out more information and to be able to bring my collection to life is always fun!

[@katiem6773]

So interesting and well done. Thank you!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thak you!

[@HistorySavior1941]

This was a super cool video! So much information gained in this!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@HistorySavior1941]

You’re welcome my friend! Keep up the fantastic work. You’re one of the best out there!

[@timclassey5621]

Great video thanks for posting.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome!

[@deltaflyer9078]

This video is absolutely fabulous, well done!!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Had to do something to keep myself busy until the series begins!!!

[@Sacto1654]

In fact, I believe flying the B-17 and B-24 was a strenuous experience because of the fact you flew in an unpressurized cabin with temperatures often well below 0° C. at altitudes over 23,000 feet. This contrasts quite a bit with B-29 crews, who before they switched to low-altitude bombing flew in a pressurized cabin with much more modern flight suits at altitudes as high as 30,000 feet.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Very much so and that was responsible for a lot of the illnesses suffered by the men as those altitudes and temps are such a savage environment, before even the flak and fighters!

[@richardmardis2492]

Why didn’t I already know this! Thanks for the enlightenment 👍

[@SEAKPhotog]

That was terrific, thank you! My wife and I just watched the 1st 2 episodes of Masters of the Air and were wondering about the different pieces of equipment.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You're most welcome! Hopefully it helped add some background to what you saw on screen and I for one am amazed at the attention to detail the producers have gone to in terms of the equipment used in the filming, it's incredible to see!

[@jimomaha7809]

The American airman actually received the British flight equiptment , C-type, helmets, goggles, chest/obserever type harness/parachute packs, 41pattern life vests, in a reversed land lease deal This was a deal with the Americans when they send their first air force squadrons to Britain. As you mentioned the Americans liked the British chest harness with quick release a lot, and started in 1944 to produce their own versions as the A3 harness. I have an original A3 and indeed a near copy of the British harness.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Ah thanks for that and makes perfect sense about the lend lease.

[@manuelcastaneda7838]

Army Air Force wore brown shoes..

[@christophermancini7380]

Outstanding! Very enjoyable video.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@1daddyDA]

This was brilliant. Thanks

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You're most welcome! thanks for taking th time to watch!

[@steveb5341]

Superb video mate very informative & insightful. Looking forward to the Masters release now!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks mate! I think Masters will be like nothing we’ve seen before and I’ve got the day booked off so I can watch it a couple of times! Roll on the 26th January!

[@steveb5341]

@@WW2Wayfinder that’s what I call great preparation 👏🏻🪖🍻

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I’ve waited too long to miss it 🤣

[@1339LARS]

You did it again!!! Great vid!!!!//Lars

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! This is my true passion when it comes to the war and I can’t wait for the 26th and the release of Masters Of The Air! Thanks again for taking the time to watch

[@johncaldwell-wq1hp]

JUST AN OUTSTANDING JOB--MATE JUST THE BEST-!!-THANK-YOU !!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@poppy5986]

It is, I always try to imagine B17s out on the old runway when I stand looking out. My dad took me to Thorpe Abbotts years ago, I can remember looking at the photos of the aircrew, who were my age at the time I visited. It brought home the reality of war to me. It’s an amazing tribute to the men who served there. The 100ARW based at RAF Mildenhall, are now closely affiliated with the 100BG. They have even added the square D box to the tail fins of their KC135s. Some planes have also had nose art added to the tankers. I know they also visit Thorpe Abbotts, and are proud of their 100BG heritage

[@WW2Wayfinder]

It's great isnÄT it how the modern USAF at Mildenhall pay such homage to the crews that went before them. It's easy to forget, but I love thatasa modern military unit they actively remember those who went before.

[@TheSniperGTO]

I’m retired after 25 years in. I currently about 5 miles from LRAFB, the main C-130 base for the Air Force. You’ll see them flying every day, sometimes 6 or 8 at a time in trail formation. I always imagine what it would have looked like to see 150 B-17’s flying towards their target. Quite a sight I reckon. I’ve flown in the Yankee Lady, a B-17 maintained by the Yankee Air Museum when they flew down here for an air show. Not a lot of room in those things.

[@craigflenard1099]

Great video!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@markharnitchek9205]

terrific tutorial ... many thanks!!!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@simongorton6297]

It’s been a long wait for this I’m especially fond of air warfare so keep the videos coming old chap happy new year too you and your family

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I’ve got a few more lined up looking at the 100th plus several more ideas for episodes focusing on RAF/USAAF and Luftwaffe stories! Masters of the Air is going to be amazing and only 23 days to go!!!! Thanks for watching 😃

[@davebourdon3258]

Awesome review of the Aircrew Clothing and Equipment!!!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@eamo106]

Brilliant Wayfinder, NO, Much better than brilliant ? I forwarded this to the CAF in Texas on their page. That is 20 years of history and knowledge, condensed and explained. I can see the Masters of the Air prop manager sweating !

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hope it helps when the series comes out and it provides a bit of insight into why things will change as the episodes progress! I’m really excited to see just how the do show that change in equipment as the years progress from 43 to 45!

[@eamo106]

@@WW2Wayfinder Well CAF Liked my post to them, I am a Brit in Texas and follow CAF. I doubt that the film prop manager had this level of detail and all is now filmed. I follow your journeys and exploits. Mark Felton looking over his shoulder !

[@piotrforkasiewicz2025]

Thank You so much for Your great film. Vey well explained!!!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hopefully it provides some context for when Masters of the Air is released and we see their flight gear change throughout the series!

[@crazygame2724]

Outstanding video!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@thechadillac1211]

Five Great Uncles and a Grandfather ALL bombers guys, 8th,15th and 7th AF. My grandfather finally gave up the ghost at 99. The last member of Lefty’s Wolfpack. Thank you for sharing this info, fascinating.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow! Incredible they all served on bombers! I just searched for Lefty's Wolfpack as I'd not heard of them before so I'll definitley read up on those guys.Do you know what units in the 8th and 15th your Uncles served with?

[@julianlawrence-ball2279]

My gfs grandfather was a Lancaster navigator, flew his 25 and more. Props to all those young men

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Absolutely! The courage it took to get in those aircraft every day/night is impossible to imagine. Do you know which Squadron he served with?

[@bettylaselli2048]

Woooow Excellent vídeo! I love it!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hopefully when the series comes out it’ll all make sense and we’ll see lots of it in the series!

[@RobJones262]

Stunning collection mate. I live near Thorpe Abbotts, been there many times. Mildenhall has some fantastic artwork in some of its buildings. Cheers ;)

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh nice! I love that part of the UK. Thorpe Abbott’s museum is amazing and the collection there is stunning. Debra and the team who run the museum do a wonderful job and I highly recommend their Century Coffee next time the museums open!

[@garypender9459]

Second time commenting! The B-17 gear show was great! I enjoy your knowledge and enthusiasm RE: WWll!! I visited Duxford in 2019 for D-Day 75, great history, and great American museum! Suggestion? Do a story on Duxford and it’s use in WWll and the movie Battle of Britain, along with the American Air Museum and the US Cemetery in Cambridge? Keep up the good work!🇺🇸

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Lots planned for several episodes on a wide range of airfields so don’t worry Duxford will be one of them! Hope you had a great time when you visited as the airshows there and the museum collection are first class!

[@poppy5986]

Really interesting! I thoroughly recommend visiting Thorpe Abbotts too. I watched an old interview with a Spitfire pilot the other day. He was talking about life jackets. He said around the time of the Battle of Britain, RAF pilots preferred the German pilot’s life jackets, and often wore them if they could get their hands on one. He said they were more comfortable. The only downside being that the back of the neck was really high and rigid which meant you couldn’t turn your head around very easily when sat inside the cockpit of the plane. Something that he discovered during a dog fight over the Kent countryside!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thorpe Abbotts is wonderful isn't it! Standing on top of that tower and looking out over the airfield is always an incredible experince let alone the amazing collection of 100th BG uniforms and artefacts there!

[@user-lw7om1sg1m]

Like you Ive been looking fwd to MotA series for years hoping the stories are as good as the attention to details and points out Big Week, Schweinfurt and Berlin battles

[@WW2Wayfinder]

From what I've seen it'll be quite the series. I'm excited for the 26th and I'll be eagelry awaiting every Friday until March to see the latest episode!

[@user-qy9tf2im7f]

My Father a 449th Bombardment Group B24 Navigator had all his Unforms custom made by a Friend of the Family John Di Tullio a very talented Tailor. Had a complete set made while home on leave before deploying to Italy in 1943. John used the best fabrics he could source and did not charge him a dime, although my Dad had an allowance to pay for them. They were all shipped home when my Father was shot down in January 44. John considered it a privilege to outfit my Dad and was at my Father's coming home party after he was liberated, hospitalized and returned to the States in June 45 Had another set made by a Scottish Tailor while hospitalized in England after liberation. He was 5'9" and only 118 lbs. when liberated. As soon as he gained enough weight to pass a Flight Physical, he was flown back to the States. My Father delayed his 90 day POW uncharged leave to rejoin his Group at the request of the Group Commander and train on the B29 to deploy to the Pacific. Just a regular Guy doing a job for His Country! He did like to dress nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

What an amzing man, thank you for sharing your Father's story! You must be so proud of him! And I've always been a huge fan of the style they had back in the 1940's, something we could do with again today!

[@frenchfan3368]

This was a very thorough, very detailed explanation of flight gear rarely discussed. Well done! Have you considered talking about the various handguns carried by American and British flight crews from the Second World War? I would find that quite interesting.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! I’d like to cover more firearm related content but due to KZbin’s guidelines it can make my life quite tricky trying to navigate their policy and stay on the right side of their ‘law’ if that makes sense. In an ideal world I absolutely would but for now I just planning on sticking with the equipment type content.

[@user-zo1uk5ie4t]

Thank you, Jon. It would be interesting to see you r own collection.

[@pursuitpix]

A nice watch for Thanksgiving in between football games. This channel is getting better and better.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad you enjoyed it! Now just counting the days until we can see all the equipment in use in the new series!!! Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving too😃

[@jamiegroves5155]

My grandfather was general Leslie Groves he said that He is and was an army All the way but B-17 was army airforce but he said that they had worse mortality rate than the marines he said that there blood should be bottled he always told me that they look death in the face nearly everyday He was so impressed with these guys

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow! What an amzing family history! Thank you so much for sharing that and taking the time to watch my video! Wonderful to know how he respected the bomber crews and their role in the war. Thanks again, thats made my day!

[@jamiegroves5155]

​@@WW2Wayfinder if you ever want anything from me about my grandfather I have All his diarys and most of his correspondence I that's not in the Smithsonian I'm impressed with your video ive never ever done this before but I am so glad that it made your day anytime

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow that’s fantastic thank you for the offer!!! I’ll definitely take you up on that at some point! Thanks again!

[@KaiDon1]

I’ve been waiting for this series for 15+ years from “the mighty eight “ to “master of the air” from “HBO” to “Apple TV” ,

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Likewise! It’s amazing to finally see it on the screen!

[@brianperry]

The RAF were bombing Germany long before the USA even entered WW2..in fact the first 1000 bomber raid was RAF not as Hollywood would have us all to believe by the USAF...

[@glynjones9988]

Excellent video.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@marciocorrea8531]

Great video! I love the officer´s caps

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! The USAAF Crusher caps are so iconic aren’t they!

[@bv226]

Excellent information, thank you very much. Fantastic research and detail. Would be helpful however to explain how the crusher cap originated. It certainly is symbolic of aircrew, who removed the shaping grommet from inside to better fit under headphones. Unique to Air Force flight crews, and frowned upon by groundpounders. Sadly, the current US Army issues these to all members, diminishing the significance of those who wore them.

[@pineapple2665]

Well done

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@jeffsmith2022]

Very cool US Army Air Corps Roundel on your hoodie, I might add...Wonderful book...I would hope this film is as good as 12 O' Clock High...Splendid video, FRAGMENTATION...

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! The hoodie is from The Warbird Coffee Company (the link is in the video description). From all the trailers I've seen of Masters its shaping up to be a good one!

[@karenpitts9721]

My late uncle, Lt Philip D. Pitts, USAAF, was killed on September 11, 1944 on his ninth mission in Rhuland, Germany.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you for sharing that. Do you know what BG your Uncle flew with?

[@karenpitts9721]

My uncle was in the 100th BG, 350 Squadron at Thorpe Abbotts.

[@Robslondon]

Fantastic video.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hopefully we can see some of it in action when Masters Of The Air is released next week!!!!

[@Robslondon]

You're very welcome, and yes; much agreed! Really pleased to have found your channel; keep up the great work. @@WW2Wayfinder

[@theochan2911]

Very nice 👌

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@Ba_A]

It has always bewildered me how the downed pilots kept their officer's hats even after bailing out of their planes. You'll see them as POWs wearing their caps as well as other uniform/gear that would have been lost when they jumped out of the plane.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

A lot of them had them stuffed into their jackets or under their Mae wests. Also lots of images of gunners with their service boots tied to their parachute harness so if they had to bale out and survived they could ditch the heavy leather and rubber sheep lined flying boots and wear their normal issued footwear. Although not sure how safe it would be having them tied on to your harness was, but at that point if they needed to bake out I can’t image they’d have cared!

[@analystanalyst7652]

In the fifties I and my two brothers all had B-10 jackets from the local Army & Navy store and other items like green wool head pullovers, or balaclavas, and GI wool gloves. We also had a couple of GE signal mirrors like the one you show that we played with besides the ‘bring backs’ like German helmets and holsters, I remember the Nambu holster, in particular, as it had a rattan type finish to the top flap. One kid had flying goggles like the ones shown with the Type C flying helmet and he wore them everywhere. My dad, being in aviation during the war, had a Colt 1911 and shoulder holster that was carried on the Tokyo Raid. As I had mentioned, in an earlier youtube, the quick releases and parachute harnesses used by the RAF were actually manufactured in Buffalo, NY by the Irving Air Chute Company. Sadly, we didn’t get them to our own people until later in ’44 and unfortunately some guys drown because of it. The Luftwaffe had them as well. I have three examples of the Luftwaffe versions which were basically identical. Good job, thanks.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Must have been amazing as a kid to have access to all that surplus gear!

[@davebourdon3258]

My A-2 Jacket was issued to me by the Air Force during my service. It is adorned with 8Th AF leather patch, Leather patch of the 324th, and a leather name board. I call it my baseball, as I would have famous aviators of WWII sign the inside of my jacket. Most of these gentlemen have now past away. It is my most prized item in my militaria collection.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Wonderful! They're such an iconic piece of clothing arent they. I love mine and wear it every chance I get. Amazing to have yours signed! Thanks for watching.

[@davebourdon3258]

My A-2 Jacket includes both American and German Pilots. Unfortunately none from Japan. It is also sad to say that most of these great airmen have past away. I have been collecting for about 35 years. Thanks for your program! @@WW2Wayfinder

[@davebourdon3258]

I too have a small collection of RAF memoribila. One item is a British Escape and Evade silk map, very detailed with black print on white silk.

[@midnighttutor]

Extremely informative presentation! Would greatly appreciate your thoughts: how common was back art on the A-2 jacket by pilots and when done did it reflect the nose art of their plane or some other theme? Thank you

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! From what I’ve seen most didn’t decorate their jackets. Those that did would typically represent their aircraft though. Many, it they did anything, would have a Squadron or Group patch painted or seen on to the front.

[@PeterGunn1958]

This is certainly close to my heart, excellent job as always. I admit I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to the "Masters of the Air" or not, the few trailers I've seen make me wonder why I see 332nd FG Mustangs, a 15th AF group based in Italy mixed in with 8th AF B-17s based out of England. I hope I'm wrong and that the producers aren't going to do something stupid just to put a modern twist on history. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

The 332nd FG will fit in with the Operation Frantic missions the 100th BG we’re involved with. It also ties in with the last few episodes when men of the 100th are liberated from Stalag VIIA at Moosburg so don’t worry it all fits in and is accurate. I was lucky to get a lot of inside info from those working on the project 😉

[@Cplblue]

One of the characters covered in 2nd Lt. Robert Daniels, who was shot down over Marsailles, France in 1944 while attacking a radar unit. He ends up in the POW camp with the crew from the 100th BG. Also in the trailer, you'll see them in P-40s and standing in front of a map of Italy. The writer, John Orloff, said it'll make sense and not to worry.

[@hawlikd]

I am so excited to watch Masters of the Air miniseries.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Likewise! the 26th still feels like a long way off!

[@fredrikbostad8585]

Great job on this one! Can't wait for the series. But what kind of wristwatch would a B-17 crew member use?

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! The standard army issue was the A-11 wrist watch for aircrew during that time

[@fredrikbostad8585]

@@WW2Wayfinder Thank you! 🥰

[@donbalduf572]

Nice presentation! I have a high quality A2-style jacket with a modern improvement: Thinsulate lining. It looks just like the WWII jackets but is quite a bit warmer.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! That’s definitely a must with an A2, otherwise they’re only good for a few weeks in the Spring time and early Autumn! Thank you for watching!

[@dennycalder4948]

Great video , well done. Surprised however you didn't feature the B3 jacket which will be featuring quite heavily in the series. Also Eastman din't supply all the flight jackets for the production, Aero Leather also supplied a number of jackets including the early "white" B3 worn by Major John Egan. ( Callum Turners character.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks for watching, on the jackets themselves, I don’t have a B3 which I did clearly state and I did show plenty of footage of crews from the 91st wearing them so much past that there wasn’t a better alternative. I plan on ordering a B3 but torn on which to get! And I’m aware that Aero Leather Clothing did make jackets for the show as well but I don’t own any of their jackets yet - I’m in the process of ordering one so it wouldn’t have been appropriate or helpful to discuss a company without some means of backing up what I’m saying as there was already a lot of info to get across as it was. I

[@johnrye6752]

Thanks for another excellent video always educational, cheers....

[@leftymagoo2710]

Thank you Donewell & well done!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@zororosario]

First Class video history 😊❤

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@celtic2405]

Thanks for the report. I would also like to know where you got the crusher from. Thank you.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you. The crusher is from Aviation Military Headwear

[@daniellelache6657]

Super video seur tenkiou daniel BORDEAUX FRANCE .

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@alancranford3398]

Thanks for the presentation. At minus forty the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales meet--but minute forty is life threatening however you slice it. Flying at altitude was one of several measures used to protect aircraft and aircrew from antiaircraft fire. This video was interesting to me because I gave two WW2 history lectures at the Hill Aerospace Museum in Utah, USA--the first was Aircrew Survival and Training and the second was Airbase Defense. Looks as if I'll have to supplement my "12 O'Clock High" habit with "Masters of the Air." For political reasons America's Bomber Mafia had to discredit the effects of fighter-interceptor aviation and anti-aircraft artillery. I'm avoiding the German term FLAK because globally ack-ack had several names--postwar it all became flak. One defense against ack-ack was bombing undefended targets. It always takes time to crew the cannons, so arriving unexpected and undetected over targets was another defense--Curtiss LeMay used this when he burned Tokyo to the ground in March 1945. Then there was flying high--requiring protection from frigid temperatures, breathing oxygen, and supercharged engines. Engines have to breathe, too! Even at extreme altitudes enemy anti-aircraft fire could reach out and touch the bombers, it just took thousands of shells to down a bomber. Anti-aircraft fire's main effect was reducing bombing accuracy. It was nice to get bomber and crew back home--those fly boys were a small fraction of available manpower, the fraction that could be trained in the sciences and arts of getting bombs on target, and air forces wanted them back after every mission. Airplanes sprouted armor plate and puncture-resistant fuel tanks to protect vital aircraft systems--and keep the crew from being punctured, too. First aid kits hopefully patched up injured crew so that these men could be used again in the future. To prevent the crew from getting injured personal armor was added to aircraft armor. When the aircraft were unable to make it all the way back to base, the air crew had equipment and supplies to return them to Earth's surface with a minimum of breakage, to keep them afloat on the 70% of Earth's surface that is liquid, and to stay alive until rescued by a vast network. Part of my lecture on aircrew survival was the mystery of how American fliers got from occupied France to Portugal through neutral but Axis-aligned Spain. I covered the gold barter kits--and was able to impress even the few WW2 vets in my audience. There is no way to cover ALL of the clothing and equipment worn by USAAF bomber crews operating over Europe because there was a lot of it, evolving as experience demonstrated what worked and what didn't. One item carried in USAAF survival kits over Europe was a package of photographs of the individual airman. MI-9 found that it was far easier to forge identity documents if the downed aviator had passport-sized photos of himself because camera equipment and film were restricted items in Germany and in occupied Europe--cameras were more dangerous to the Germans than were guns. Speaking of guns, American air crew were instructed to surrender to Luftwaffe personnel when necessary because being captured by an unarmed civilian mob was hazardous to one's health. Understandable--nobody likes having bombs dropped on them. I know from personal experience during the Cuban Missile Crisis what it's like to sleep in fallout shelters. I've experienced multi-ton explosions at a mile or two distance (demolition pits) and what a few pounds of explosives at ten meters feels like when I was on the other side of a barricade. Surviving the mob long enough to get rescued by German soldiers was the purpose of the pilot's pistol and seven to twenty-one caliber .45 cartridges--not for fighting off an infantry squad. I'm bragging to you because I really like your presentation and I am guessing that if you know my knowledge on World War Two, you can appreciate praise that much more. I don't know everything, and my goal is learning new things every day. Thanks--you showed me new things.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Your lectures sound fantastic and I'd have been sitting on the front row for both! Regarding the surrendering to Luftwaffe perosnnel I can add to that from the account of an airman from Bomber Command who was shot down and the Luftwaffe guards saved his life from an angry mob after stopping at a German town while on the way to his POW camp. the townsfolk were ready to lynch him but the guards shielded the RAF POWs and kept the mob away at gun point!

[@danielroncaioli6882]

I have my Great Uncle’s jacket with squadron patch from the 427th BS 303 BG out of Molesworth. I have a pic of him and his crew in front of his B17G. It’s in fantastic condition.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow! I know Molesworth well and the 303rd BG! Fantastic you have your Great Uncles jacket and that it's remained in your family!

[@danielroncaioli6882]

I wish I had the photo album he smuggled out. My cousin (his daughter) still has that.

[@terrym3837]

@@WW2WayfinderThe memorial the 303 at Molesworth is superb. Last time I visited US MP’s came and asked what I was doing. But when I told them I was taking photos of the memorial they were great and stayed for a chat

[@COVERICK]

Sir... the map of the air bases at 55 sec mark. Can you tell me where I can purchase such? By the way,, your content is amazing. Thank you!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! the link to the map is here: www.etsy.com/listing/825433350/usaaf-bases-in-great-britain-during

[@larrybilinski9350]

Great crusher repro! Who made it?

[@WW2Wayfinder]

It was made by Aviator Military Headwear and next to originals I've handled it's perfect!

[@356rah]

Enjoyed the book and hope the series does it justice and isn’t being overhyped.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Likewise! The book is excellent and now hoping the series doesn’t have too many cliches and really shows the brutality of the air war and what those young men had to endure.

[@GHJK-rq4tv]

Do you have any brand suggestions for military overalls ,such as the ones they use in the series .Thank you in advance !

[@WW2Wayfinder]

What Price Glory make the best A4 Flight suit currently.

[@YARROWS9]

Hopefully this series will give a nod to the RAF crews, from all over the commonwealth and other nations. That paid the ultimate price for victory.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I hope so too. I hope it doesn't show them as incomponent or lacking by comparision to the USAAF. There is a film called a 'A Memory Owed' all about Bomber command which is due for release this year I think which looks to be very good.

[@rr016]

PS. The A~2 remains a lousy jacket compared to the later nylon versions. They look nice but the only way to stay warm is in a dance hall.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

True! It's good for Spring and early Autumn and thats about it! Although there are winterised versions with thicker liners, I'll take my B10 any day!

[@Nghilifa]

Excellent walkthrough. I want to add that there was a major difference between the A-8 and A-10/14 masks that you didn't mention. The A-8 was a constant flow mask (just like the "D" Type that the brits used during the battle of britain), where you could only turn the oxygen (100%) on/of. When "on" it flowed at a preset rate. The A-10 and onwards were "demand type" oxygen, where you had a different regulator which only supplied oxygen when the pilot demanded it (ie, when he inhaled). The mixture could also be regulated, so the pilot could for example select just ambient air (for example if he's flying below 10/15 thousand feet, but would need to have the mask on in order to communicate with others (since the microphone is in the mask (yes, I'm aware that some also used throat mikes)), or 100% oxygen (and probably something in-between as well). This was ideal, since it reduced the oxygen consumption of the pilot. These types of masks developed mid WW2 are the direct precursors to the ones that we use today, not just in form, but in function. Modern day oxygen masks are pressure-demand devices. Not only do they only deliver the oxygen on demand only, they also deliver it at positive pressure, thus forcing as much O2 down into your lungs, to maximize O2 absorption during high altitude flight, as well as high-g maneuvers (fighter/pursuit pilots.). Interestingly, there's a significant drawback; the positive pressure applied on inhalation makes it difficult to exhale, as the pilot has to forcefully exhale used air/o2.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks for that! I’d forgotten that the D Type was a constant flow mask, but wasn’t aware of it for the A-8! Crazy to think that the precedent for the masks in use today in the likes of the Typhoon and F-35 are the direct descendants of those from 80 years ago!

[@Nghilifa]

It is, isn't it? I have a British Type G cloth flying helmet along with a H-type oxygen mask (without hose) in my collection. I also have a Type E cloth flying helmet, which is the one that the Tuskegee airmen are wearing in Masters of The Air. Sadly, one of the goggle straps are broken, and the rubber earcups are completely stiff, but other than that, it's in pretty good condition overall. I've also got an A-14 oxygen mask, an AN-H-15 cloth flying helmet with snap fasteners on the side (it's basically the warm weather version of the A-11 that you mentioned in this video, I think it was also introduced in 1943) as well as a MSA Type C oxygen mask used with a rebreather system in US Navy aircraft.@@WW2Wayfinder