| Place | Europe: Western Front |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/21239.003 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Physical description | Elastic, Fur, Glass, Leather |
| Maker |
Triplex Goggle Mask & Lens Co Ltd |
| Date made | c 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Mark II flying goggles : Lieutenant C R Fenwicke, 3 Squadron AFC
Description
Pair of flying goggles, with brown leather face piece and glass eyes pieces with metal rims. The left side of the leather is stamped in gold with 'GOGGLE MASK FLYING MARK II/ THE TRIPLEX GOGGLE MASK & LENS CO. LTD.' The inside of the face piece is lined with rabbit fur, but most of this has worn away. The goggles are secured by a brown elastic strap with a metal buckle to adjust the fit.
History / Summary
Associated with the service of Lieutenant Christopher Rupert Fenwicke. Fenwicke was born in Tamworth, New South Wales in 1890 and was a station overseer on enlistment in the AIF on 22 July 1915. He embarked for overseas service with the 10th Reinforcements, 5th Light Horse Regiment aboard HMAT Warilda on 5 October, arriving in Egypt later that month. Fenwicke served with the Light Horse until 1916, when he transferred to 68 (Australian) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.
Fenwicke embarked from Alexandria aboard HMAT Kingstonian on 13 January 1917, disembarking in Southampton on 30 January. With the rank of air mechanic second class, Fenwicke proceeded overseas to France on 21 September, arriving in Havre the following day. On 21 April 1918 Fenwicke, while still in France, was transferred to the Home Establishment, who trained air and ground crews and prepared squadrons for service in France. He returned to England the next day to take up his new position.
On 6 May Fenwicke joined No. 1 School of Military Aviation, Reading, to undergo training as a flying officer (observer). On completion he marched out to RAF Armament School, Uxbridge on 22 June. He qualified as an observer on 11 August and was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. Fenwicke was taken on strength by 3 Squadron Australian Flying Corps (AFC) on 14 September, and remained with that unit until the end of the war. He was promoted Lieutenant on 11 November and returned to England on 4 March 1919 for embarkation to Australia. He boarded the Kaiser-i-Hind on 6 May, and landed in Australia on 19 June. Fenwicke was discharged from the AIF on 11 August 1919.