Pilots flying goggles Mark I : Lieutenant J H Butler, 1 Squadron AFC

Places	Africa: Egypt Middle East: Ottoman Empire, Palestine Oceania: Australia, New South Wales, Sydney
Accession Number	REL/00087D
Collection type	Heraldry
Object type	Uniform
Maker	George Spiller Ltd
Place made	United Kingdom: England, Greater London, London
Date made	c.1916-1918
Conflict	Period 1910-1919 Period 1920-1929 First World War, 1914-1918

Description

Australian Flying Corps (AFC) pilot's flying goggles. Marked 'GOGGLE MASK FLYING MARK I GEORGE SPILLER LTD LONDON'. Missing head strap and glass now opaque.

History / Summary

These goggles were worn by Lieutenant (Pilot) John Herbert Butler, 1 Squadron AFC. He enlisted as a trooper in 2 Light Horse Regiment, AIF, on 19 August 1914, and served at Gallipoli. Transferred to the AFC in January 1917 and trained as a pilot. Received his commission and served in the middle east with 67 Squadron (Australian) RFC (aka 1 Squadron AFC) from about June. He became ill and returned to Australia on 28 April 1918. He died in 1924 and was given a military funeral. His flying helmet and goggles were placed on the gun carriage during the funeral.