British Aircrew Mk2 and Mk2A Flying Coverall
Blue / Grey Stores Ref No's: 22C/1904 to 22C/1911 (size dependent)
Jungle Green Stores Ref No's: 22C/1912 to 22C/1919 (size dependent)
The Mk2 / Mk2A is a lightweight flying suit made from linen huckaback. Itended for summer use or warm climates.
These suits are labelled as both Mk2 and Mk2A. The difference between the two designations is that when slots in the lower leg are opened up to pass leg restraint garters though (for ejection seat aircraft), the designation is Mk2A; when the slots are left stitched up, the designation is simply Mk2.
Exhibit
1964 Mk2A flying coverall, modified
This suit has been modified by replacing the pocket buttons with velcro.
RAF / RN Resources
AP1182E, Volume 1, Section 1, chapter 16 (AL 69, June 1958)
This interesting extract identifies the intended uses of the pockets.
Quote:
Breasts (fitted wirth sliding fasteners) General Purpose Sides (non-fastening) General Purpose Right thigh (with pencil pocket attached containing a perspex sheet) Writing pad and pencil. The perspex sheet may be written on with a Chinagraph pencil or used as a base for writing pad. Left thigh (fitted with a sliding fastener) Pilot's notes Left thigh (closed with flaps fastened by a button) Gloves Lower legs(closed with flaps fastened by buttons) Maps Left sleeve (3-compartment pocket) Pencils and pen torch
AP1182E, Volume 1, Section 1, chapter 16 (AL 69, June 1958)
From the same AP, this image shows us the difference between the MK2 designation on the left with slots swen up, and the Mk2A designation on the right with leg restraint garters fitted.
