Luftwaffe vs. RAF

Mick J. Prodger

ISBN 10: 0764302493 / ISBN 13: 9780764302497

Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd, US, 1998

About this Item

Second of two volumes examining the development and uses of personal flying equipment issued to the combat personnel of the Luftwaffe and Royal Air Force throughout WWII. Illustrated with over 500 photographs-450 in color and including many detailed close-ups-this book brings together an exceptional array of rarely seen combat equipment. From compasses secreted in tunic buttons, to floating rations, and from suits with built-in parachutes, to box-kite radio antennae, you'll find it all discussed in this volume. All types of parachutes and harnesses, life preservers and the origin of the "Mae West" nickname, inflatable boats, survival tools, weapons for self-defense, and even some of the paperwork and personal items carried by the airmen of these two opposing air forces. Study the sophisticated rescue and survival equipment available to Luftwaffe crews, alongside the clever, yet often brilliantly simple devices which enabled so many RAF flyers to evade capture for so long, some eventually making it home through occupied Europe. Like its companion volume Luftwaffe vs. RAF: Flying Clothing of the Air War, 1939-45, this book will be an invaluable reference for artists, collectors, modelers, living history re-enactors and military historians, and should be of interest to anyone with an affinity for the human side of twentieth century military history.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780764302497

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Luftwaffe vs. RAF
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd, US
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0764302493
• ISBN 13: 9780764302497
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 966 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This second of a two volume study closely examines the development and uses of personal flying equipment issued to the combat personnel of the Luftwaffe and Royal Air Force throughout World War II. Illustrated wih over 500 photographs-450 in color and including many detailed close-ups-this book brings together an exceptional array of rarely seen combat equipment.

From compasses secreted in tunic buttons, to floating rations, and from suits with built-in parachutes, to box-kite radio antennae, you'll find it all discussed in this volume. All types of parachutes and harnesses, life preservers and the origin of the "Mae West" nickname, inflatable boats, survival tools, weapons for self- defense, and even some of the paperwork and personal items carried by the airmen of these two opposing air forces. Study the sophisticated rescue and survival equipment available to Luftwaffe crews, alongside the clever, yet often brilliantly simple devices which enabled so many RAF flyers to evade capture for so long, some eventually making it home through occupied Europe.

Like its companion volume "Luftwaffe vs. RAF: Flying Clothing of the Air War, 1939-45," this book will be an invaluable reference for artists, collectors, modellers, living history re-enactors, and military historians, and should be of interest to anyone with an affinity for the human side of twentieth century military history. Mick Prodger is also the author of "Vintage Flying Helmets: Aviation Headgear Before the Jet Age" (from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

About the Author

Mick Prodger was born in Holyhead, North Wales and grew up in Sussex, on the south coast of England. He moved to the USA in 1981 and currently lives in Texas with his wife Diane. A licensed private pilot and keen aviation history enthusiast, he is a contributor to aviation magazines in addition to having written the highly comprehensive and much acclaimed "Vintage Flying Helmets" published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. A writer and artist by profession, he owns a graphic design firm.