World War II 1939-1945 Luftwaffe leather flying gauntlets were protective hand wear designed for military aviators to guard against high-altitude freezing temperatures and severe flash burns. They shielded aircrews from instrument burns and cockpit fires. Long gauntlet cuffs protected the wrists and forearms from drafts and cold air. They were favored by bomber and maritime patrol crews in unheated aircraft, German aircrew gauntlets used thin brown kid leather with raised ridges and expanding wrist gussets. Fighter pilots usually rejected them in favor of shorter gloves for better mobility.A pair of WW11 Luftwaffe flying gauntlets. They are light brown leather, fur lined, tapered at the wrist, and fitted with a narrow expandable wristband which closes with a dark brown press stud. There are three detailed stitching lines on the back of each gauntlet.gloves, gauntlet gloves, ww2 flying gloves, uniforms

Black and white image of Pilot Officer Wilkinson 400444 who was seconded from the RAAF to the RAF flying missions over Germany. His gallantry earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross in March 1944 for numerous successful missions over Germany. He was Killed in Action on 30th of August 1944.Brown and black marbled plastic frame containing black and white photograph of an Airman in flying suit, flying goggles on head and long gloves holding two round discs.Handwritten on rear - Flt Lieu John Wilkinson j h wilkinson, raaf, dfc, ww2

The history of this particular helmet is not known, but similar Stagg helmets are thought to have been worn by RAAF aircrew in Malaya circa 1941-42.Brown leather flying helmet with buckle chinstrap and small buckled loop on the rear to retain goggles. External earpiece openings are secured by a pair of snap fasteners with brown plastic caps.snap fasteners - STAGG MELB AUS Inside label - Stagg Glovesraaf, ww2, helmet