I'm not sure if I'm in the right place to ask this question - if not maybe Admin can move it? I'm posting a photograph of a squadron from Bomber Command taken in February 1941. One of the people in the pic is my father which is why I'm interested. I wondered if anyone is able to confirm that this is 50th Squadron? Another thing - can anyone identify the plane behind them? Third - can someone explain the significance of the different types of headgear (i.e.caps vs hats).
Yes, 50th Squadron. Not an expert on the RAF, but the different hats are likely officers and enlisted personnel. The aircraft is a Handley Page Hampden...Served with 50th squadron 1939-1942. The photo is seen on several websites. Google I found it here: 50 Sqn. (07/41)
Many thanks for the link to Wally's war Takao. It was very interesting reading, knowing that this was what my father had been doing. More so as I recognised a couple of things he had told us. Thanks also for the ID of the plane. I also discover that that pic is incorrectly dated as it seems that the move from Lindholme to Swinderby only took place in July 1941, so this pic must have been taken in Feb 1942 . . . . I'm not sure about the headgear being enlisted or officers because sitting right at the centre in the front row is the OC 50 squadron, (I know this because my father was part of his crew) who is wearing a cap; but maybe someone else can answer this. . . .
It is common for service personnel to have different official headgear they could wear. Sometimes it was wearer's choice and sometimes stipulated by the 'dress of the day'
I may be incorrect but it always seemed to me that the UK Armed Services seemed to have a more casual attitude about dress than say the US. In no way is this a criticism but an observation. I have noticed it is the Isralie Armed Services. Is this an accurate observation or merely my guess and wrong at that. I have looked at thousands of ww2 photos but lots of movies as well and it may well be I was unconsciously influenced by inaccurate movies. It is a serious question for me and might bear on this very nice photo. Gaines
Thanks belasar. That would make more sense. But it amazes me that those caps don't blow/fall off 'while perched on the head at that acute angle. The man in your pic is wearing one that is a far more practical shape. (American?). Gaines, I'm not in a position to comment really, but I know my dad (RAF) sometimes wore a white silk scarf when flying - not sure that was regulation dress . . . .
The man is the same in each photo, Dwight D Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and eventually 34th US President. The caps design were essentially the same regardless of which military, was fairly snug and held up as well if not better in a stiff breeze than anything short of a helmet with a strap.
They would be very similar and not too different from those worn in Russia and Germany. All would work much like a skull cap.
If you apply for his service records [forms on this link - Request records of deceased service personnel] they will tell you all about his service in WW2. It may also be worth joining the sister site WW2Talk which is more British based and there are several members who specialise in RAF matters TD
I think it may have depended a lot on who and where. Patton was rather famous for insiting on correct dress. On the other hand I remember my old scout master who served on a PT boat in the Pacific telling me about getting yelled at during an inspection by a rear area officer that came for a visit. Seems he didn't appreciate combat boots being converted to sandals or trousers to "cut offs". Not much the officer could do other than yell though.