IRVIN NUTS?...the ULTIMATE thread for those who love 'em!

[Smithy]

I came across this one of an Australian in a black Irvin.

Classic lol lol

 

[Windsock]

Cor Blimey that's a shock! However I somehow feel totally satisfied now- although you wouldn't know it by my expression...

Sorry Master Swatland, I'm marking you down for this effort- must try to get some photoshop time. Colouring in a photocopy just isn't up to standard!

Here's your pic Tim.

 

[aswatland]

Andrew I am glad you got the joke! and thanks for the woolly bear pic too.

 

[Smithy]

Thanks Andrew! Interesting pic, do you happen to know the date?

 

[ethanedwards]

I came across this one of an Australian in a black Irvin.

This must be one of those TERRORFLIEGERS I'm always reading about!

 

[ethanedwards]

Irvins

A fine picture of aircrew wearing their Irvins. I'll post any pics of the black variety if and when I remember where they are! Getting old you see....

 

[aswatland]

This a most evocative picture. Interesting to see an electrically wired Irvin in the foreground and almost "new" looking conventional Irvins. Do you know the date of this picture? It looks early war as the aircrew are wearing service uniforms rather than the more practical war service blouse and trousers(post 1941).

 

[Smithy]

Here's one I love with a few Irvins, B Flight, 73 Sqn, Rouvres, France in early 1940. According to contemporary accounts, it was a damn cold winter...

 

[ethanedwards]

Do you know the date of this picture? It looks early war as the aircrew are wearing service uniforms rather than the more practical war service blouse and trousers(post 1941).

I'm afraid not Andrew. It does look to be early though - maybe a more enlightened FL member could tell us, judging by the other kit?

 

[aswatland]

I'm afraid not Andrew. It does look to be early though - maybe a more enlightened FL member could tell us, judging by the other kit?

I would agree. The Irvins all appear to be the two panel variety, so a date of 1939-40 would not be far out IMO.

 

[Smithy]

I'd agree entirely Andrew, '39 to '40.

 

[Spitfire]

Just stumbled over this great (staged) shot of different flying gear and Irvin-jackets.
Please enjoy:

 

[aswatland]

Great picture, Spitfire. Where did you find it?

 

[Spitfire]

Just googled WWII RAF pilots - and voila!

 

[ethanedwards]

Irvins

Great pics Tim and Spitfire - I hope some of these chaps got back home to
their families, once it was all over.

 

[Smithy]

Great pics Tim and Spitfire - I hope some of these chaps got back home to
their families, once it was all over.

Sadly Ethan, in the photo that I posted above, only 5 from the 10 men pictured survived the war.

 

[aswatland]

IRVIN TROUSERS

I currently own three pairs of Irvin flying trousers. The first is from a 1939 contract with Irvin Air Chute. I particularly like the close pile fleece and russet facings. They complete with the elasticated braces.

The zips are the Dot British variety with the mottled and horizonal lined pulls. The pulls and sliders still retain most of their black paint. The leather pullers are also intact.

Here is one of the slider buckets marked Dot British.

The label has the 1939 contract and one of the owners' names: D Haig Francis. The first owner was Peter John Leboldus. He was a Pilot officer and later Flying officer, flying as a navigator and died on 13 Feb 1943 when his bomber crashed returning from a sorte.

 

[aswatland]

The second pair are later, dating from 1943-4 and were made by Wareing and Co of Northampton. They seemed to have had two owners in the war, Genge, whose name is painted on them and a pilot from the Fleet Air Arm. They are in wonderfully condition with no loss of fleece and hardly any wear.

The zips are double trunnion Dot Made in Englands.

Here is the pristine label.

 

[blacklagoon]

magnificent collection andrew,absolutely magnificent

 

["Doc" Devereux]

Those look excellent, Andrew. Now I wish I had a camera decent enough to show my pair off.

Here's the eBay listing, though.