Programme for a concert held in aid of the RAF Prisoners of War Fund. Many 'comforts funds' were established during and after the war.
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Propeller (for S.E.5a)
This 4 blade propeller was used with the 200 hp Hispano Suiza engine that powered S.E.5A aircraft.
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Public Warning' poster to aid enemy aircraft identification
This poster, entitled 'Public warning', was produced in 1915. The British public were encouraged to familiarise themselves with the appearance of hostile aircraft in the event of air raids.
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Radio servicing workshop
This is a photograph of an RAF radio engineer servicing equipment in a workshop at the Wireless Telephony School in Chattis Hill, Stockbridge.
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RAF 30 hour non-luminous Mk. V aircraft watch
An RAF 30 hour non-luminous Mk. V aircraft watch. These watches were used by pilots to tell the time while flying.
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RAF thigh-length flying boot
These RAF thigh-length Pattern 1918 flying boots were used by Lt Cecil John Clarke.
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Red Baron's blue dog mascot
This trinket belonged to Baron Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron). Pilots would often take charms and trinkets into the air with them for good luck. However, these items often became trophies collected by those who shot down their original owners
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RFC Christmas card, 1916
A Royal Flying Corps Christmas card, 1916. The sending of Christmas cards like this was common across all the armed services during the war, indicating a sense of pride of place on behalf of the sender. This card contains the inscription, 'With hearty Christmas greetings from Jim'.
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RFC dog jacket
Dogs regularly appear in photographs of air and ground crews. This dog jacket was worn by a Yorkshire Terrier belonging to an officer of the Royal Flying Corps who had an RFC tailor make it especially. It is adorned with RFC Pilot's wings, Captain and Observer badges.
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RFC economy cap badge
This unpierced version of the 1912 Pattern RFC Other Rank's cap badge was produced as an economy measure in 1915. It is made from gilding metal (a type of brass with a high copper content).
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RFC flying goggles
A pair of Royal Flying Corps private purchase flying goggles used by Lt Alex Harvey. They protected the eyes from grit and dirt in the air, as well as particles expelled from the aircraft engine caught in the slipstream.
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RFC flying helmet (1916 Cowl type)
This RFC 1916 Pattern Cowl type flying helmet, protected the pilot's face, as well as the head from wind burn and exposure to engine particles caught in the slipstream.
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RFC folding camp bed
The airfields constructed during the war were somewhat more makeshift sites than those developed after the war. This RFC folding camp bed would have been used in airfield barrack rooms or dispersed accommodation.
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RFC identity bracelet
RFC personnel often acquired private purchase identity bracelets to supplement the standard issue ID tags. This example carries the personal details of 3420 James E. Howell, RFC.
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RFC Kite Balloon Observer parachute harness
Looking not unlike a pile of rope, the RFC kite balloon observer's parachute harness was attached from the observer's waist to the 'Guardian Angel' parachute pack which was suspended next to the balloon basket. ...
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RFC leather flying coat
This is an RFC leather flying coat. Flying exposed pilots to the elements, commonly causing wind burn. They adopted leather wear inspired by clothing worn by drivers of open air motor vehicles of the time. The skirt of this coat is fitted with leather straps with press studs for securing to the wearer's legs in the event of bad weather.
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RFC maternity jacket
The RFC Officer's Pattern 1914 No. 1 jacket was known as the 'Maternity Jacket' as it was said to resemble clothing worn by expectant mothers.
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RFC Model H Triumph motorcycle
Motorcycles were used in the Royal Flying Corps to swiftly transfer messages between units and headquarters. Their use alongside the aircraft, made the RFC arguably the most mechanised unit in the British Army at this time. This is a 1917 Model H Triumph motorcycle.
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RFC playing cards
This pack of Royal Flying Corps playing cards is one of a large number of commemorative items featuring the RFC badge.
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RFC shoulder title
A standard piece of uniform insignia, usually stitched on to the shoulder of a uniform jacket.
