The Irving RAF Combined Pattern Flying Suit from World War II represents a significant example of the development of protective flying equipment for the Royal Air Force. This particular suit, manufactured on 19 September 1940, originates from a critical phase of British aerial warfare – immediately following the Battle of Britain.
Irving Air Chute of Great Britain Ltd. had established itself as a leading manufacturer of parachutes and flying protective equipment during the 1920s and 1930s. The company, named after American parachute pioneer Leslie Irvin, played a crucial role in equipping the RAF during World War II. The designation Patent No. 407445 refers to the patented construction that protected specific innovations in the suit's design and functionality.
The concept of the “Combined Pattern” or “Dual Purpose” suit was revolutionary for its time. This flying suit combined several protective functions in a single garment: it provided both thermal protection at high altitude and certain waterproofing against moisture and wind. RAF bomber and fighter pilots were exposed to extreme temperatures in the unheated or poorly heated cockpits of 1940s aircraft. At altitudes of 20,000 to 30,000 feet, temperatures could drop to minus 40 degrees Celsius and below.
September 1940 marks a turning point in the Battle of Britain. At this time, the Luftwaffe had already changed its strategy several times, and the RAF was engaged in a desperate fight for air superiority over Great Britain. The production of flying protective equipment was of highest priority, as every trained pilot was irreplaceable. A functional protective suit could be life-saving in the event of being shot down over the North Sea or English Channel.
The construction of the Irving suit was thoughtful and practical. The material typically consisted of several layers, with the outer layer made from durable, windproof fabric. The inside was often lined with wool or another insulating material. The zippers were a critical element of the design – they had to remain functional even in extreme cold and could not freeze. The use of multiple zippers allowed the wearer to adjust ventilation as needed.
The size designation “Large” followed the RAF's standardized sizing system, which was developed to ensure rapid and efficient equipping of crews. The suits had to be worn over normal uniforms and often over additional protective layers, which explains the generous sizing.
The manufacturer's label on the back of the suit was not merely a formality but served practical purposes. It enabled traceability in case of quality issues and helped with inventory management. The specification of the manufacturing date was particularly important, as designs and specifications continuously evolved during the war.
Irving suits were worn by various aircraft crews, from pilots of the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane to crews of heavy bombers like the Avro Lancaster and Handley Page Halifax. Each role placed different demands on protective equipment. Fighter pilots required maximum freedom of movement, while bomber crews, who had to endure hours in freezing altitudes, needed maximum thermal protection.
The preservation of such flying suits is remarkable, as these items of equipment were subjected to heavy wear. Many were disposed of after the war or repurposed for other uses. The visible oxidation on the zippers is characteristic of the age and storage conditions over more than eight decades. The light staining bears witness to actual use and lends the object historical authenticity.
Today, these flying suits are important museum pieces and sought-after collectibles. They represent not only the technical development of protective equipment but also the human dimension of aerial warfare. Each suit tells the story of the men who wore it – often young pilots in their twenties who risked their lives daily to defend freedom.
The Irving company continued its tradition of innovation after the war, developing equipment for the jet age and modern aviation. The legacy of these early designs is still recognizable in modern flight suits, which continue to save lives and protect crews under extreme conditions.
