APH-5A flying helmet : Corporal R Clayton, 9 Squadron, RAAF

Olive drab APH-5A flying helmet with slotted visor housing, pull down tinted visor, M33A/A1C microphone assembly, rear mounted earphone plug and lead, pair of Sierra oxygen mask fittings, and white nylon/cotton tape chin strap with press stud fitting. A pair of MX-2088/U earphones are fitted, each retained by nylon cording which threads through the helmet and loops around an external stud. The helmet, originally white, has been painted in matt olive drab - large areas of this paint have been rubbed from the visor housing and in sections from the rear; some of this chipping has been repainted. An orange and black Smiley Face sticker is attached to the right side of the visor housing; and a red and white dymo-tape name tag bearing the legend 'R. CLAYTON' is attached to the rear. The blue plastic visor wingnut has separated and is stored with the helmet.

Worn by 44464 Corporal Robert ‘Snow’ Clayton, 9 Squadron, RAAF. Clayton served in Vietnam as an electrician, and trained as a flight fitter. Clayton was often required to travel by helicopter on detachment and wore the flight suit (REL35285) and helmet (REL35286.001) on these occasions. This helmet was actually assembled from parts by 9 Squadron’s Radio Section for Clayton’s use. Clayton served in Vietnam from 25 February to 8 December 1971.

• Flying helmet storage bag: Corporal Robert Clayton 9 Squadron RAAF