RAF Type D tropical issue blue cotton drill flying helmet : Pilot Officer F J Kevin RAAF, 258 Squadron RAF

Royal Air Force Type 'D' tropical issue blue cotton drill flying helmet with neck visor flap. Without avionics and oxygen mask.

Worn by Pilot Officer Francis Jeffrey 'Honk' Kevin, RAAF, who flew Hurricane 2D and Thunderbolt P-47D aircraft in Burma with 258 Squadron RAF from 1942-1945. The donor states that the cotton drill helmet was ideal in the tropical climate, particularly on the squadron's hot, low level, army support operations. This type of helmet was a scarce issue item as the most common British Commonwealth issue flying helmets were made from leather which was better suited to the cooler European theatre of war. Francis was born on 4 October 1920 at Forbes, NSW. He enlisted into the Royal Australian Air Force on 16 August 1941, discharging on 18 January 1946 at the rank of Flying Officer.

• Flying Goggles RAF Mark VIII : Pilot Officer J Kevin RAAF, 258 Sqn RAF.