A piece of history will go under the hammer next month as a World War Two flying jacket, once owned by a Royal Australian Air Force gunner, is set to be featured in our 12 March Homes & Interiors Sale.
27 February 2024
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An original World War Two flying jacket owned by a gunner in the Royal Australian Airforce come for sale at auction next month. The Irvin 1943 pattern sheep skin and fleece lined leather jacket was acquired after the war by an Essex farmer. It has a guide of £400-600 as part of the Arms and Militaria section in the March 12 Home and Interiors sale.
A WWII Irvin 1943 pattern sheep skin and fleece lined leather flying jacket (£400-600)
The jacket, labelled '40288 1943' is also inscribed in ink for the original owner WS Cheetham 411645 RAAF. Sydney Wilfred Cheetham (1921-1996) was born in Toowoomba, Queensland and enlisted in the RAAF in November 1941.Transported from Australia to Canada on MS Klipfontein in May 1942, he trained as a WOAG (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) and joined 58 Squadron (Coastal Command) in Stornoway. Flying in Handley Page Halifax heavy bombers, he completed 38 sorties totalling more than 330 hours.
A WWII Irvin 1943 pattern sheep skin and fleece lined leather flying jacket (£400-600)
This jacket was bought from a surplus shop after the war by the farmer to wear against the elements driving his tractor. It has since come to auction by descent.
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