British C-Type Aircrew Flying Helmet
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WIP!
The C-Type helmet is a leather helmet with chamois inner layer. It can be fitted with either a Gosport tube or electrical headset with external wiring harness, and has fittings for an oxygen mask and goggles. It has a leather chin strap and Bennets Buckle.
The external wiring harness fitted to these helmets has a permanent hardwired connection to the oxygen mask microphone. The microphone connector was introduced later in the "C-Type Wired" helmet, allowing for the mask to be easily fully removed from the helmet.
There are two main earphone holder versions seen:
- Rounded leather pockets with zips, as used previously on the B-Type helmets. Mostly seen fitted to C-Type helmets used by the Royal Navy.
- Rubber cup for directly mounting the earphones. Mostly seen fitted to C-Type helmets used by the Royal Air Force.
Note: The rounded pockets with zips can cause people to mus-identify C-Type helmets for B-Type. Another source of confusion in this game.
Service Photographs
Battle of Britain
Shown here is the first pattern of Type C helmet, with all external wiring hanging down the front, and low brow. The wiring is hard wired to the earphone speakers and microphone in the mask.
Pop studs are fitted to both cheeks for oxygen mask fitting. The chin strap is leather and uses a "Bennets Buckle".
Naming complexity
The terms "First Pattern" and "Second Pattern", originate from books written on the subject of WW2 flying clothing. The official terminology I have found referenced in Air Ministry AP's for what is known in books as as the C-Type "First Pattern" referenced in this page is actually just the "C-Type".
See further article explaining the confusing names of C-Type helmets.