SWISS AF WWII PILOT WITH DRÄGER MASK
This Swiss Messerschmitt Me 109 fighter pilot is wearing the earlier blueish grey cotton flying suit with the stand up collar which resulted uncomfortable and was prone to chafing the wearer's neck. As a countermeasure pilots often wore the knitted field grey woolen army sweater with its high collar below the flying suit. With the army order Ordonnanz 1940 (effective from February 1941), which revised the complete uniform regulation of the Swiss armed forces, a flat notched collar was introduced.
The flying helmet is of the early Siemens type, unfortunately missing the laryngophones.
The German made Dräger HM5d (alias 10-69) oxygen mask is attached by means of a webbing harness, the hooks on the helmet being designed to accommodate the HM51 (10-67) type.
Completing the outfit are Mod. 1050 flying goggles (Swiss license-manufactured Ratti style goggles), Böni leather gloves and black Swiss officer’s leather boots.
bcn2023-11-23