| Place | Oceania: Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL33189 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Helmet |
| Physical description | Cotton twill, Leather, Metal, Rubber |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1942-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Type D flying helmet : Flying Officer O J C Tomlinson, RAAF
Description
Royal Air Force Type D unwired flying helmet made of khaki drab cotton twill. The helmet is lined with dark blue ribbed satin and has rubber ear cups with padded rolls on the inside. There are metal snap fasteners on either side of the face and the helmet is secured at the chin by a leather strap and buckle. A further leather strap is buckled to the back of the head. A quilted flap is sewn into the back of the helmet to protect the wearer's neck. The name 'TOMLINSON' is written on the flap and a sketch of a rabbit standing on a bomb is drawn on the top of the helmet.
History / Summary
The RAF Type D unwired flying helmet was based on the design for the leather C type helmet. It was first introduced in 1942 for use in tropical and desert conditions by RAF and RAAF airmen. This example was used by Flying Officer Oswald James Cadogan Tomlinson, RAAF. He was born in August 1918 and enlisted in the Air Force in Perth, Western Australia on 9 December 1940. He saw service in the New Guinea and Pacific campaigns before returning to Australia to work with 5 Service Flying Training School. He was discharged on 16 November 1945.