The Luftwaffe Kitbag

March 26, 2019

The full title of this book is ‘The Luftwaffe Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot’s Kitbag’ – Uniforms and equipment from the summer of 1940 and the human stories behind them –

by Mark Hillier

This book is like getting a little museum in your home! You know when you go to a WW2 museum you often happen onto these glass display cases with uniforms and other kit in it. When lucky you can walk around and see it from short distance. And it may say ‘pilot’s uniform worn in 1943’ or something. But more often than not you remain wondering what was a certain piece of equipment used for, nor how it was used, or when…..

Well, this book offers you an abundance of excellent close-up photos with extensive explanations of what exactly you are looking at. Your own, 2-dimensional historical display to be watched on your couch!

The subject is primarily limited to the gear the Luftwaffe (the German air force) used in the Summer of 1940 when attacking England, although there are references to some later gear too. The chapters divide the book by sort of gear covered, like flying helmets, oxygen masks, goggles, flying clothing, lifesaving equipment, service dress and other flying equipment. The detailed close-up color photos are augmented by old photos showing the equipment in use at the time.