| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL29698.003 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Physical description | Plastic, Rubber |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1943-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Hose for Type G oxygen mask : Sergeant R Cowley, RAAF, 218 Squadron, RAF
Description
Black rubber oxygen hose to fit the Type 'G' green rubber oxygen mask. The hose, which should attach to the inlet valve of the mask, is detached.
History / Summary
This leather flying helmet and oxygen mask was worn by Sergeant Robert 'Alf' Cowley of Queensland during his service with 218 Squadron, RAF. Having served with the 2/2 Anti Tank Regiment, 7th Australian Division in Syria during 1941 in action against the Vichy French, Cowley decided to join the RAF in September 1942 and flew Lancasters with this squadron until the end of the war. The Type 'G' oxygen mask entered RAF service in 1943. Its main advantage over earlier masks was in the channeling of cool fresh oxygen into the upper part, while carrying warm exhaled air out at the bottom. Together with the new chamois lined rubber construction, this largely alleviated the condensation problems experienced with earlier masks. The Type 'G' was extensively used by RAF and RAAF aircrew for the remainder of the war, and remained in service well afterwards.