Avro lap harness: Second Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Donnelly Gulley, No 6 Training Squadron, Australian Flying Corps

Part of a standard British lap seat/crash harness, probably made by Avro. The double skin sewn tapering leather reinforcement is all that remains of the harness section (for a view and description of a complete First World War RAF harness, see REL30050). This is joined to a retaining strap by steel hardware, which includes a quick release pin to which is attached a narrow leather strap. The rope of the retaining piece is secured and can be adjusted by a brass turnbuckle nut; the rope also retains a brass eyelet which would have attached to the seat.

This seat harness was worn by 3101 Air Mechanic Second Class Frederick Thomas Donnelly Gulley during an aircraft accident on 17 October 1918. Gulley had been on a cross country training flight and struck a post whilst attempting to land in a field close to Tidworth Barracks, Wiltshire. In the resulting fire Gulley sustained burns to his face, neck and both hands, including all fingers. He was admitted to Tidworth Hospital and eventually discharged on 8 January 1919. Although his burns had healed Gulley was still suffering from considerable deformity of face including scarring around both eyes and both edges of his mouth. He had a thickening scar on his upper lip, the skin of both hands was ill nourished and he could not extend the little finger of his right hand due to cicatriculae. These disabilities were noted on his medical report as being permanent and that in the future Gulley would only be able to work at a 75% capacity.

Gulley was born in Casino, New South Wales in 1895 and was a trainee accountant on enlistment in the 20th Battalion, AIF on 30 August 1915. He embarked for overseas service aboard HMAT Suevic on 20 December with the rank of Acting Corporal. Joining 20 Battalion on the Western Front in April 1916 Gulley was wounded on 5 May and transferred back to England. After a period of convalescence and postings to various training battalions within England, Gulley transferred to the Australian Flying Corps on 25 February 1918. He was taken on strength by No. 6 Training Squadron AFC, Minchinhampton on 31 May with the rank of Air Mechanic Second Class (Cadet). Gulley was appointed Second Lieutenant on 21 January 1919 and returned to Australia aboard HMAT Czaritza on 18 March 1919 arriving in Sydney on 15 May. His military appointment was formally terminated on 6 March 1920.