RNAS uniform info

StrutterGunner · 10 March 2006, 02:01 PM

Many thanks for the info so far. If its not any trouble would you mind posting some more pics of rnas uniforms both blue and khaki? Theres a pretty big shortage of rnas pics out there on the net

Thanks

charles · 22 March 2006, 08:54 PM

This is a Royal Naval Air Service visor cap with and without its khaki cap cover.

RNAS officers were ordered to remove their caps’ wire stiffeners in 1917 as they interfered with ships’ compasses, according to Christopher Campbell, author of Aces and Aircraft of World War I.

You can see more examples of original artifacts of early aviation at The Aero Conservancy.

StrutterGunner · 27 March 2006, 08:28 PM

Many thanks for the cap pictures, they were extremely helpful. Is that a cap of yours or did you get the pictures from a different source?

charles · 28 March 2006, 01:12 AM

It's in my collection. Also an RNAS wing.

StrutterGunner · 28 March 2006, 08:13 AM

Nice. Don't suppose I could convince you to post a pic or 2 of your wing?

Also, concerning the khaki cover, is it made from the same material as the rnas SD tunic or is it something else? Im asking as Im trying to find enough info on that cover to have a repro made. Thanks

Purser · 30 March 2006, 10:03 AM

White cap covers were worn by the RNAS in the summer months (usually between May and September) in line with the Royal Navy.

A style amongst the RNAS, particularly aircrew, was to wash these in coffee. This was echoed in the later war by the "operational" hats of both the RAF and USAAF.

Working dress of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Air Service included grey flannel trousers.

Hope this helps.

Purser · 30 March 2006, 01:33 PM

and to add a little more to the detail.......

The Royal Navy uniform regulations (certainly as at 1915) note that the cap cover for RN/RNAS officers was of white ribbed marcella, and that for RNAS ratings was of marselline.

Just looking at the excellent pictures posted by Charles, and wonder if the eagle is silver or gilt?

The military branch of the Royal Navy of the Great War period had a silver anchor in the cap badge, the civil branches (for example the Paymasters) having a gilt anchor. The RNAS, being part of the military branch, displayed the RNAS eagle in silver on the cap badge.

charles · 30 March 2006, 02:16 PM

The cap cover I think was originally the color shown, not white. It is well made for a simple piece. It's marked 6-7/8 in pencil like the cap, itself. The eagle in the cap insignia appears to be gilt but tarnishes so I am no sture what it is made of.

Purser · 1 April 2006, 03:28 AM

I wonder if the eagles were brass that was covered with a silver wash, and over the years this has become worn. After 90 years I think all of us would tarnish a little !

insignia · 2 April 2006, 11:17 PM

The majority of examples of RNAS Officer’s cap badges that I have seen have had an Eagle made of Silver, and were left that colour. The few gilt /gold coloured ones that I have come across were manufactured from gilding metal (very similar to brass) and gold plated in the same way as the larger Pilot’s, Observer and Attached Officer's wings.

There are a number of RNAS insignia examples at http://www.britairforce.com/ and few more can be found at http://www.ww2wings.com/wings/britai...naspilot.shtml