WW2 Arnhem D Squadron Attributed Glider Pilot's Boots Grouping

A small grouping of original items which belonged to a glider pilot of D Squadron who took part in Operation Market Garden during 1944. These items came directly from the family and I have been instructed not to include the original owners name in the listing although this will be passed on to the next custodian of these items. 

Officially designated 'Boots, Air OP Pilot', these boots were specifically designed and issued to British Army pilots flying on Air Observation Post duties for the Royal Artillery and also saw issue with glider pilots. On first looking at the boots they look similar to the RAF 1936 pattern boot but are actually much shorter in height and feature a very different construction with no end-on-end stitching between the quarter and the upper as well as a front seam which is covered by a tape. Also of note is only the top part of the upper features a sheepskin lining rather than the full lining found on most RAF flying boots of the period. The boots feature a strap towards the top which fastens with a single prong chrome plated metal buckle. The sealed pattern of these boots actually featured a 'Bennetts' as seen on early flying helmets. This was clearly replaced by 1945 with the style seen here. Inside the boots is a leather label which is worn although the size of 10 is still legible. 

The boots are in good condition on the whole and display well. There are signs of service wear and some age etc but overall they appear to be sound with no serious flaws or damage. The family have had the heels replaced at some point in recent history but the soles are still the correct leather style. 

Also included with the boots are a couple of small items including an original printed pegasus formation flash, two brass Army Air Corps Buttons, a France and Germany Star medal ribbon, two large staff sergeants brass crowns and a Glider Pilot Regiment shoulder title which is post-war and may suggest the original owner stayed in the regiment in the immediate post-war period. 

A very rare pair of boots which are attributed to a glider pilot. These would make an excellent addition to any airborne collection!