Royal Flying Corps Kitbag

Book excerpt: A complete guide to the WWI uniforms and equipment of RFC pilots and airmen—fully illustrated with color photos. When the First World War began in 1914, the newly formed Royal Flying Corps was put to the ultimate test. As the Great War raged, the developments in military aviation were profound, not only in terms of aerial warfare, but also—as this book reveals—in the uniforms and equipment the aircrew used. All the objects that a Royal Flying Corps pilot or airman was issued for sorties over the Western Front are explored in this book. Amply illustrated with high-definition color photographs, it details everything from clothing and headgear to personal weapons, gloves, goggles and early life preservers. Each item is fully described, and its purpose and use explained.