William's log book shows him having a total of 593 daytime flight hours and another 257 nighttime flight hours. He flew in numerous types
of aircraft including, Wellington III, Wellington X, Douglas Dakota C-47, Lockheed Lodestar, Avro Anson and the Avro Lancaster. (click on
photos for more detail view)
William flew 63 combat sorties during his service time in World War Two. A small notation in the front of Lyons' log book indicates
that this is his second log book, further indicating that his first log book was lost in transit while being transferred to the China Burma
India theater of war.
No. 215 Squadron
Motto: "Surgite nox adest" ("Arise, night is at hand").
Badge: A porcupine. The Squadron was formed at Coudekerque in France (early 1900's), the arms of which are described as "de
sable un porcepic d' argent, couronne d'or" and a porcupine was therefore considered an appropriate association. Authority: King
George VI, November 1937.
No 30 Operational Training Unit
Formed in No 93 Group on 28 June 1942 at Hixon, it was equipped with Wellingtons to train night bomber crews and by 1944 it
was operating Wellington III and Xs. It also used a wide variety of other types for support activities including Defiants, Lysanders,
Martinets, Oxfords, Masters, Hurricanes and Tomahawks. As the need for bomber crews diminished, the unit was reduced to
three-quarter strength in October 1944, was transferred to No 91 Group and relocated to Gamston in February 1945, where it
remained until disbanding on 12 June that year.
of aircraft including, Wellington III, Wellington X, Douglas Dakota C-47, Lockheed Lodestar, Avro Anson and the Avro Lancaster. (click on
photos for more detail view)
William flew 63 combat sorties during his service time in World War Two. A small notation in the front of Lyons' log book indicates
that this is his second log book, further indicating that his first log book was lost in transit while being transferred to the China Burma
India theater of war.
No. 215 Squadron
Motto: "Surgite nox adest" ("Arise, night is at hand").
Badge: A porcupine. The Squadron was formed at Coudekerque in France (early 1900's), the arms of which are described as "de
sable un porcepic d' argent, couronne d'or" and a porcupine was therefore considered an appropriate association. Authority: King
George VI, November 1937.
No 30 Operational Training Unit
Formed in No 93 Group on 28 June 1942 at Hixon, it was equipped with Wellingtons to train night bomber crews and by 1944 it
was operating Wellington III and Xs. It also used a wide variety of other types for support activities including Defiants, Lysanders,
Martinets, Oxfords, Masters, Hurricanes and Tomahawks. As the need for bomber crews diminished, the unit was reduced to
three-quarter strength in October 1944, was transferred to No 91 Group and relocated to Gamston in February 1945, where it
remained until disbanding on 12 June that year.
United States Army Air Corps:
The United States Army Air Corps was a small, under-developed air force on December 7th, 1941. Following the attack on Pearl
Harbor and the United States eventual entry into the war, the Army Air Corps grew into the most formidable air force in the world.
This page is dedicated to those pilots and crewmen who served in the Army Air Corps, United States Marine Corps and the United
States Navy.
When the United States entered WWII, Army Air Corps command had established guidelines for the specific clothing to be worn
by aircrews and pilots while operating Army Air Corps aircraft. As American aviators began seeing service in England and other
parts of the world, American pilots and aircrews began to adapt their clothing and flying equipment to the conditions where they
were operating. It was not uncommon or unheard of for pilots and aircrews to incorporate flying clothing and equipment from
other nations into their equipment. Many American pilots used and preferred the Royal Air Force MK VII goggles to the Army
Air Corps issued goggles. In some cases, equipment from captured enemy pilots and aircrews was put to personal use by American
pilots. Below are photographs of various Army Air Corps items in my collection. All of these items are original, WWII era issued
items. My collection does not contain any reproduction items.
Harbor and the United States eventual entry into the war, the Army Air Corps grew into the most formidable air force in the world.
This page is dedicated to those pilots and crewmen who served in the Army Air Corps, United States Marine Corps and the United
States Navy.
When the United States entered WWII, Army Air Corps command had established guidelines for the specific clothing to be worn
by aircrews and pilots while operating Army Air Corps aircraft. As American aviators began seeing service in England and other
parts of the world, American pilots and aircrews began to adapt their clothing and flying equipment to the conditions where they
were operating. It was not uncommon or unheard of for pilots and aircrews to incorporate flying clothing and equipment from
other nations into their equipment. Many American pilots used and preferred the Royal Air Force MK VII goggles to the Army
Air Corps issued goggles. In some cases, equipment from captured enemy pilots and aircrews was put to personal use by American
pilots. Below are photographs of various Army Air Corps items in my collection. All of these items are original, WWII era issued
items. My collection does not contain any reproduction items.
Above, left to right: An A-11 leather flight helmet displayed with an A-14 oxygen mask and RAF Mk. VIII goggles, An
AN-H-15 cloth flight helmet displayed with an A-10 oxygen mask and An-6530 goggles, another AN-H-15 cloth flight
helmet displayed with a pair of An-6530 goggles, a B-6 leather flight helmet displayed with a pair of American Optics
goggles, another AN-H-15 cloth flight helmet displayed with an A-1 sun visor.
AN-H-15 cloth flight helmet displayed with an A-10 oxygen mask and An-6530 goggles, another AN-H-15 cloth flight
helmet displayed with a pair of An-6530 goggles, a B-6 leather flight helmet displayed with a pair of American Optics
goggles, another AN-H-15 cloth flight helmet displayed with an A-1 sun visor.
Above, left to right: An OD "Crusher Cap" displayed with pilot headset, an early Khaki "Crusher Cap", an EM overseas
cap displayed with original, wartime period sun glasses (and incorrect insignia!), a Khaki Officer grade AAC overseas cap, a
field made Army Air Corp ground crew cap with hand sewn insignia applied to the cap.
cap displayed with original, wartime period sun glasses (and incorrect insignia!), a Khaki Officer grade AAC overseas cap, a
field made Army Air Corp ground crew cap with hand sewn insignia applied to the cap.
Right: US Army Air Corps pilot Paul
Conger of the 56th Fighter Group
standing next to a P-47D fighter plane,
(serial # 42-7880 HV-N) with "Redondo
Beach, California" (my hometown)
painted on the fuselage. Citizens of
Redondo Beach, California donated
enough money in war bonds to pay for
the production of this aircraft and were
recognized with the city name being
painted on its side.
Conger of the 56th Fighter Group
standing next to a P-47D fighter plane,
(serial # 42-7880 HV-N) with "Redondo
Beach, California" (my hometown)
painted on the fuselage. Citizens of
Redondo Beach, California donated
enough money in war bonds to pay for
the production of this aircraft and were
recognized with the city name being
painted on its side.
A U.S. Army Air Corps Advanced Flying School ring dated 1941. This ring belonged to Lt. Col. Robert B. Kelly
and has his initials "RBK" engraved on the inside portion of the band.
and has his initials "RBK" engraved on the inside portion of the band.
An original WWII era photo from my collection showing Air Corps ace Robert
S. Johnson (Lawton,Oklahoma) standing with ground crewmen who are
identified as (left) S/Sgt. J.C. Penrod crew chief from Newark, New Jersey)
and Sgt. Frank Bridges (armorer from Linden, Texas). This is an original,
Associated Press photo taken during the war for publicity purposes and is
marked accordingly on the reverse side of the photo. Dated 5/16/1944. At
the time this photo was taken, Johnson had 27 air victories.
S. Johnson (Lawton,Oklahoma) standing with ground crewmen who are
identified as (left) S/Sgt. J.C. Penrod crew chief from Newark, New Jersey)
and Sgt. Frank Bridges (armorer from Linden, Texas). This is an original,
Associated Press photo taken during the war for publicity purposes and is
marked accordingly on the reverse side of the photo. Dated 5/16/1944. At
the time this photo was taken, Johnson had 27 air victories.
Above: This is a WWII "era" Army Air Corps stein.
This stein was most likely produced immediately after
the war ended as the Army Air Corps became the
United States Air Force in 1947. There is no doubt that
this stein was made prior to 1947. German made Army
Air Corps steins are fairly rare to come across and this
one is in terrific condition with only a small chip along
the bottom, which is not visible.
This stein was most likely produced immediately after
the war ended as the Army Air Corps became the
United States Air Force in 1947. There is no doubt that
this stein was made prior to 1947. German made Army
Air Corps steins are fairly rare to come across and this
one is in terrific condition with only a small chip along
the bottom, which is not visible.
Above: Various WWII US related aviation items including an Air Corps
bible, F6F Fighter plane fuel gauge, Varga girl pin-up drawing autogaphed by
numerous American aces, an original pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes with
wartime Zippo lighter and photo autographed by ace Francis "Gabby"
Gabreski.
bible, F6F Fighter plane fuel gauge, Varga girl pin-up drawing autogaphed by
numerous American aces, an original pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes with
wartime Zippo lighter and photo autographed by ace Francis "Gabby"
Gabreski.
Pre and early war Army Air Corps chevrons, all original issue.
Above/Right: Original wartime photographs in my collection showing
P-39 pilots and an Army Air Corps pilot in his khaki dress uniform.
P-39 pilots and an Army Air Corps pilot in his khaki dress uniform.
Above: The obverse and reverse of a WWII set of Navy/USMC pilot wings, made by
Amico and marked "Amico" and "sterling" on the reverse side.
Amico and marked "Amico" and "sterling" on the reverse side.
Above: A sterling bracelet for a
Navy/USMC aviator, named to James
E. Grinstead.
Navy/USMC aviator, named to James
E. Grinstead.
A recent addition to my collection, an early war,
WWII issue Navy Cross "Black Widow version",
with original ribbon and original campaign ribbon.
WWII issue Navy Cross "Black Widow version",
with original ribbon and original campaign ribbon.
WWII rayon Type-2 Blood Chit for use in
China. This one belonged to a USMC aviator.
China. This one belonged to a USMC aviator.
An associate officers club pass for the Pearl
Harbor officers club, dated 5/3/44 and
named to a Lt. Commander.
Harbor officers club, dated 5/3/44 and
named to a Lt. Commander.
A khaki, WWII issue USMC overseas cap with original EGA named to
"J.J. Dahl", and a green, WWII issue USMC overseas cap with original
EGA.
"J.J. Dahl", and a green, WWII issue USMC overseas cap with original
EGA.
U.S. Pacific Theater Gun Camera Footage
Recognize the female in the photo to the left? That is 19 year old
technician, Norma Jean Baker Dougherty, installing a propeller on a
radio controlled drone aircraft at a California factory. This same
technician would later remake herself as a pin-up girl and one of the
most glamorous of movie stars. This technician pictured during her
wartime occupation is in fact, Marilyn Monroe. To the right is a
drone propeller in my collection, manufactured by the same
company where Marilyn Monroe was employed.
technician, Norma Jean Baker Dougherty, installing a propeller on a
radio controlled drone aircraft at a California factory. This same
technician would later remake herself as a pin-up girl and one of the
most glamorous of movie stars. This technician pictured during her
wartime occupation is in fact, Marilyn Monroe. To the right is a
drone propeller in my collection, manufactured by the same
company where Marilyn Monroe was employed.
Don't forget to check out the items for sale and trade page! Original WWII items and autographed items!
Click on Kilroy
and email me.
and email me.
A view of my RAF
Type C flight helmet,
complete with MKVIII
flight goggles and a
Type G oxygen mask.
Many thanks to Geoff
at oldnautibits.com for
working so hard to
find me a Type G
mask that I couldn't
resist!
Type C flight helmet,
complete with MKVIII
flight goggles and a
Type G oxygen mask.
Many thanks to Geoff
at oldnautibits.com for
working so hard to
find me a Type G
mask that I couldn't
resist!
Above: Col. Glenn T Eagleston,
U.S. fighter pilot/ace, wearing
an RAF Type C flight helmet
and RAF MKVIII flight goggles.
U.S. fighter pilot/ace, wearing
an RAF Type C flight helmet
and RAF MKVIII flight goggles.
William Lyons - WWII Royal Air Force
My wife's grandfather, William Lyons, was a wireless operator and air gunner who served in a bomber squadron in the China Burma India
theater. With the thanks of one of William's sons, Steven Lyons, old photographs of William Lyons during his war time service have been
sent along and are proudly posted here. Also pictured is my wife's grandmother, Josephine Lyons, also shown in one photograph during
her wartime service in the Womens Auxiliary Air Froce (WAAF). It is with great honor that William and Josephine's photographs appear
here as a tribute to their service during the war.
theater. With the thanks of one of William's sons, Steven Lyons, old photographs of William Lyons during his war time service have been
sent along and are proudly posted here. Also pictured is my wife's grandmother, Josephine Lyons, also shown in one photograph during
her wartime service in the Womens Auxiliary Air Froce (WAAF). It is with great honor that William and Josephine's photographs appear
here as a tribute to their service during the war.
Wartime photograph of Josephine
Lyons in uniform.
Lyons in uniform.
Wartime photographs of William Lyons in uniform.
More About William Lyons:
Lancaster
Avro Anson
Original WWII era items representing what William Lyons wore on
his uniform during the In association with the photographs above, a
nice grouping of insignia war. Pictured here is his original Observer's
and Air Gunner's Flying Log Book, a Wireless Air Gunner Wing,
wartime RAF rank insignia and a RAF issued Wireless Operator
insignia sleeve patch. All of the items are original WWII Royal Air
Force issue. (Click on any of the photographs for a more detailed
view of the photo.)
his uniform during the In association with the photographs above, a
nice grouping of insignia war. Pictured here is his original Observer's
and Air Gunner's Flying Log Book, a Wireless Air Gunner Wing,
wartime RAF rank insignia and a RAF issued Wireless Operator
insignia sleeve patch. All of the items are original WWII Royal Air
Force issue. (Click on any of the photographs for a more detailed
view of the photo.)
A view of one page from Lyons flying log
book, showing logs from late June of 1944.
At the time, Lyons was newly assigned to
RAF 117th Transport Squadron. This page
shows his combat sorties totals having just
come from the 215th Bomb Squadron.
book, showing logs from late June of 1944.
At the time, Lyons was newly assigned to
RAF 117th Transport Squadron. This page
shows his combat sorties totals having just
come from the 215th Bomb Squadron.
Dakota C-47
Wellington
Lodestar
Original, WWII era RAF officers visor
cap. 100% original, pre-1945
manufactured RAF visor cap.
cap. 100% original, pre-1945
manufactured RAF visor cap.
Two original, WWII era, RAF side caps, one being for
enlisted men and the other being an officers side cap.
Both are WWII era, pre-1945 side caps, in great
condition and 100% original.
enlisted men and the other being an officers side cap.
Both are WWII era, pre-1945 side caps, in great
condition and 100% original.
WWII era RAF New Testament bible.
An RAF medallion for the winners of the Basingstoke Cup Final, 1945. It was
awarded to F./Lt. R.T.J. Wright of the 84th G.S.U. (Group Support Unit) of the
Royal Air Force. This was for winning a soccer match I am guessing! I do know
the 84th G.S.U. was stationed at Aston Down in Gloucestershire from 2/1944 to
3/1944, flying Mustang I's, Tempests, Typhoons and Spitfire Mark IX.
awarded to F./Lt. R.T.J. Wright of the 84th G.S.U. (Group Support Unit) of the
Royal Air Force. This was for winning a soccer match I am guessing! I do know
the 84th G.S.U. was stationed at Aston Down in Gloucestershire from 2/1944 to
3/1944, flying Mustang I's, Tempests, Typhoons and Spitfire Mark IX.
items, including the warden's helmet, original issue gas
mask and carry bag, set of issue, rubberized goggles, Air
Raid Warden's lapel pin, Warden's whistle, and dimming
cloth with original case. All 100% original, of pre-1945
manufacture and the entire grouping was obtained together
from England several years ago. I know from the seller I
purchased the items from that the grouping belonged to a
female Air Raid Warden who served during the Blitz.
Really impressive all together!
mask and carry bag, set of issue, rubberized goggles, Air
Raid Warden's lapel pin, Warden's whistle, and dimming
cloth with original case. All 100% original, of pre-1945
manufacture and the entire grouping was obtained together
from England several years ago. I know from the seller I
purchased the items from that the grouping belonged to a
female Air Raid Warden who served during the Blitz.
Really impressive all together!
RAF Items:
With the exception of the Type C flight helmet, mask and goggles and William Lyon's log book, I am considering selling off my
RAF items. Serious offers will be considered! Please contact me with any interest. Thank you.
RAF items. Serious offers will be considered! Please contact me with any interest. Thank you.
Above: (left to right) A Navy/Marine AN6543, leather flight helmet with original avionics and Polariod Type B-8 goggles, An
AN6540 series flight helmet displayed with Mark II goggles with amber lenses, A US Navy/Marine Corps 1092 leather flight
helmet with leather ear cups (with TH-37 receivers) displayed with Seesall goggles with blue tinted lenses, An M-450 flight helmet
with original period, private purchase goggles.
AN6540 series flight helmet displayed with Mark II goggles with amber lenses, A US Navy/Marine Corps 1092 leather flight
helmet with leather ear cups (with TH-37 receivers) displayed with Seesall goggles with blue tinted lenses, An M-450 flight helmet
with original period, private purchase goggles.
Above: A small, WWII era 48 star American flag, recovered from the body of an
American paratrooper who was killed during the D-Day invasion, shown displayed
with a number of WWII era issued medals. The medals shown include: the Silver
Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the
Purple Heart and the Soldiers Medal.
American paratrooper who was killed during the D-Day invasion, shown displayed
with a number of WWII era issued medals. The medals shown include: the Silver
Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the
Purple Heart and the Soldiers Medal.
Above: A Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, displayed with their original
issue cases, along with an Army Air Corp bracelet and a civilian AAC medal for
merit.
issue cases, along with an Army Air Corp bracelet and a civilian AAC medal for
merit.
Press PLAY to watch a short film
showing Pacific gun camera footage
showing Pacific gun camera footage
Above, left to right: An M5 flak helmet displayed with an A-9 oxygen mask (including the rare A-9 mask hose) and a
pair of Variable Density Goggles, an M4A2 flak helmet displayed with an A-9 oxygen mask, an M3 flak helmet
displayed over an A-9 flight helmet, an M3 flak helmet displayed with a leather cold weather face mask, and a B-2
winter flight cap with period aviator sunglasses and T-30 throat microphone.
pair of Variable Density Goggles, an M4A2 flak helmet displayed with an A-9 oxygen mask, an M3 flak helmet
displayed over an A-9 flight helmet, an M3 flak helmet displayed with a leather cold weather face mask, and a B-2
winter flight cap with period aviator sunglasses and T-30 throat microphone.
WWII Army Air Corps Headgear:
| Page Under Construction! More to Come |
WWII United States Navy and Marine Corps Aviation items:
WWII Rings of the United States Armed Forces:
The C.E. Daniel Collection
Above: A prized item in my collection, an original United States Army Air Corps visor cap owned/worn by 23rd Fighter Group ace John W. Bolyard. Bolyard began flying
P-40Ns with the 74th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group in China. During the first 10 months of 1944, Bolyard flew repeated missions with one ground kill to his credit.
After making the transition to P-51Cs, Bolyard quickly began scoring air victories.
On November 3, 1944, Bolyard shotdown two Japanese Zeke fighters as they attempted to land their aircraft near Amoy Harbour, China. One of these aircraft was flown by
Japanese ace Takeo Tanimizu, with the other aircraft being flown by Tanimizu's wingman, Manabu Ito. On December 8, 1944, Bolyard struck again, shooting down a
Japanese Tony fighter and a Tojo fighter plane, claiming his third and fourth air victories. On December 27, 1944, Bolyard claimed his fifth and final air victory of the war,
shooting down another Tojo fighter plane. Bolyard was promoted to Major before the end of the war and remained in the Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in May
of 1964. The photograph above shows Bolyard's visor cap and his name still in place in the interior of the cap.
P-40Ns with the 74th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group in China. During the first 10 months of 1944, Bolyard flew repeated missions with one ground kill to his credit.
After making the transition to P-51Cs, Bolyard quickly began scoring air victories.
On November 3, 1944, Bolyard shotdown two Japanese Zeke fighters as they attempted to land their aircraft near Amoy Harbour, China. One of these aircraft was flown by
Japanese ace Takeo Tanimizu, with the other aircraft being flown by Tanimizu's wingman, Manabu Ito. On December 8, 1944, Bolyard struck again, shooting down a
Japanese Tony fighter and a Tojo fighter plane, claiming his third and fourth air victories. On December 27, 1944, Bolyard claimed his fifth and final air victory of the war,
shooting down another Tojo fighter plane. Bolyard was promoted to Major before the end of the war and remained in the Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in May
of 1964. The photograph above shows Bolyard's visor cap and his name still in place in the interior of the cap.