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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
belonged to Lt. Col. Robert B. Kelly 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.
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.
Pre and early war Army Air Corps chevrons, all original issue.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
selling off my RAF items. Serious offers will be considered! Please contact me with any interest. Thank you.
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.
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.
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.
their original issue cases, along with an Army Air Corp bracelet and a
civilian AAC medal for merit.
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.
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.
WWII Army Air Corps Headgear:
| Page Under Construction! More to Come |
WWII Rings of the United States Air Corps:
The C.E. Daniel Collection
Above: A salty version of the WWII era US Army visor cap
showing much use and wear, with the name tag identifying the original
owner as Lt. J.W. Bolyard.
showing much use and wear, with the name tag identifying the original
owner as Lt. J.W. Bolyard.
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