B-17 flight gear question

[steamer98]

My great uncle was a waist gunner on a B-17 during WW2. He was in the 8th air force 92nd BG 327th Squadron and was a staff sergeant. I am trying to collect items that he would have used during his time in the service. He flew missions up until August 17th 1943 when his B-17 was shot down over Germany on a mission to Bomb Schweinfurt and the Ball Bearing Factory there. He spent the remaining years of the war in a POW camp. His name was Steven Solga. My question is what type of flight jacket would a waist gunner have been wearing in August of 1943, did the use the A-2 on missions or would they have worn the B-3? Any info would be great!! Thanks! Also if anyone has any info on my great uncle (probably a long shot) that would be great!

[steamer98]

My point for this question is I would like to get either an original or replica flight jacket that he would have used. Does anyone know of some good US made repros?

[J_Andrews]

In general, bomber gunners wore sheepskin flight jackets (and trousers, if warranted by temperature). The specific model of jacket would vary some, dependent on what was available in the supply system; personal preference; unit SOP.

 

Pilots more frequently wore the A-2, though sheepskins were available, as the bulk of the sheepskins was a disadvantage and the cockpit areas were adequately heated, unlike the gunners' "offices".

[TBMflyer]

Steamer, I believe your uncle was on the crew of Lt. J.D. Stewart when he was shot down. The aircraft he was assigned to was B-17F #42-29853. The missing Aircrew Report MACR is #653. Hope this gives you a little helpful information. I would also agree with the wearing of the B-3 jacket, as the B-17F had the open windows in the waist. Most gunners also wore the 'Blue Bunny' heated flying-suit. Good luck, Mark

[steamer98]

Wow! Thanks for the info I'll see if I can track down a copy of that report! Now to find a B-3!!

 

Steamer, I believe your uncle was on the crew of Lt. J.D. Stewart when he was shot down. The aircraft he was assigned to was B-17F #42-29853. The missing Aircrew Report MACR is #653. Hope this gives you a little helpful information. I would also agree with the wearing of the B-3 jacket, as the B-17F had the open windows in the waist. Most gunners also wore the 'Blue Bunny' heated flying-suit. Good luck, Mark

[hawkdriver]

My grandfather was a waist gunner on a B-17 as well. He wore the sheepskin, here is a picture of the gear that I have collected based off his pictures. Still looking to find gloves, boots, and mask. The parachute is incorrect, the waist gunners wore a gunners harness that they could attache a bail-out chute to, but it was all I had. He traded his B8 goggles for a pair from a fighter pilot. Said he hated them and regretted the deal, but was to proud to admit it, so he stuck to them. He said they leaked wind like a sieve

 

 

[steamer98]

Great photo and info!!

 

My grandfather was a waist gunner on a B-17 as well. He wore the sheepskin, here is a picture of the gear that I have collected based off his pictures. Still looking to find gloves, boots, and mask. The parachute is incorrect, the waist gunners wore a gunners harness that they could attache a bail-out chute to, but it was all I had. He traded his B8 goggles for a pair from a fighter pilot. Said he hated them and regretted the deal, but was to proud to admit it, so he stuck to them. He said they leaked wind like a sieve