An incredibly special WW2 RAF Battle Of Britain Irvin Sheepskin Flying Jacket attributed to Hurricane fighter ace Flight Lieutenant Raymond Alan Kellow from 213 squadron.
R A Kellow is attributed with 5, possible 6 kills during Sept - Nov 1940.
More details below.
Two panel back + with belt strap.
In decent condition for its age - with 3 period arm patches and another period repair to the arm. Also some wear to the leather - still nice and supple though.
Sheepskin lining is generally in nice condition, but with some wear to the collar area.
With its original Dot zips - All zips working, though one is stiff
The jacket also has its scarce original black elasticated collar strap as fitted to early Second World War jackets.
These straps were fitted to all early production Irvin flying jackets by all makers. They were intended to be worn across the forehead to keep the collar up in opened top cockpits of 1930s aircraft. They fit into the reverse of the collar by being attached to two metal eyelets - one of the eyelets is missing from the collar.
Inside the collar is the original hanging chain.
Chest is approx 39 inches
Laid flat it measures :
19 inches armpit to armpit
19.5 armpit to cuff
26 inches long
Raymond Alan Kellow (39615)
He was born on 23rd February 1912 at Wembley, Middlesex. He was educated at Alaro Prep School, Eastbourne and Stowe School. He joined the RAF in 1937 and joined 213 Squadron at Church Fenton after training.
Still with the squadron in 1940, Kellow went with ‘A’ Flight to France on 17th May. The flight flew down from Wittering to Biggin Hill and in the afternoon it escorted a Bombay transport of 271 Squadron across the Channel to Abbeville.
Later in the afternoon the squadron landed at Merville to refuel, taking off again to patrol Brussels before returning to Biggin Hill.
Kellow was attached to 229 Squadron at Digby from 21st May and he did not rejoin 213 at Wittering until early June.
On 15th September Kellow destroyed a Do 215 shot down into the English Channel, on the 28th he destroyed a Bf 110 over Selsey, on the 30th he destroyed another Bf 110 over Portland, on 27th October he shot a Bf 109 over the English Channel, on 1st November he probably destroyed a Bf 109 over Southampton and on the 22nd destroyed a Do 215 over Bembridge, Isle of Wight.
The final listing photo shows his entry in the book "Men of the Battle of Britain".
Kellow was court martialled in 1941 - see photo of London Gazette entry
Proof of provenance will be supplied with the jacket.
