Original 1930s RAF Gosport Tubes - Attributed to Edwardes-Jones

An original set of Royal Air Force Air Ministry marked Gosport tubes which belonged to John Humphrey Edwardes-Jones who was the first RAF pilot to test fly the Spitfire. 

John Humphrey Edwardes-Jones was one of the most important test pilots in the early history of the Spitfire and subsequently became a highly experienced wartime fighter commander. Having joined the RAF in 1925, he became a test pilot with the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment at Martlesham Heath and on 26 May 1936 made the first official RAF test flight of the prototype Spitfire K5054. His highly favourable assessment of the aircraft was instrumental in its subsequent adoption by the RAF, with an initial order for 310 aircraft being placed shortly afterwards.

In May 1937 Edwardes-Jones took command of No.213 Squadron, which by the outbreak of the Second World War was equipped with Hawker Hurricanes. He remained its commanding officer throughout the opening stages of the war and led the squadron through some of the most important fighter operations of 1939 and 1940. The squadron undertook numerous sea patrols over convoys and Edwardes-Jones personally led many of its night operations. During the Battle of France and the evacuation from Dunkirk, 213 Squadron was heavily engaged in operations over France and the Channel. On 19 May 1940, during the height of the fighting, Edwardes-Jones temporarily took command of No.17 Squadron and personally flew a Hurricane on operations east of Cambrai. During the engagement his aircraft was hit by cannon fire from Bf 109 fighters, but he succeeded in landing safely at Norrent-Fontes. He continued to lead 213 Squadron through the campaign and remained with the unit until June 1940.

The official citation for his Distinguished Flying Cross records that under his command No.213 Squadron had destroyed 23 enemy aircraft confirmed and a further 14 unconfirmed. The citation specifically praises his outstanding leadership and flying ability, noting that he had personally taken part in numerous convoy patrols and consistently led the squadron in night operations. He was awarded the DFC in recognition of his leadership and operational service during this period. He subsequently commanded No.6 Operational Training Unit and then Nos.56, 60 and 58 OTUs, where he played an important role in training fighter pilots, before returning to operational command later in the war. His subsequent service included command of the Exeter Sector, No.323 Wing in North Africa and No.210 Group, before finishing the war as Deputy Director of Operations at Mediterranean Allied Air Forces headquarters.

Many helmets were fitted with Gosport tubes during the inter-war period as well as in WW2. This pair are made from bakelite and are RAF issue rather than civilian, private purchase examples. They feature the RAF reference number of 6F/154 as well as the Air Ministry 'AM' and crown marking. They are fitted to a set of unmarked tubes from the same period which are in good condition. Both ear pieces have had initials scratched into them. 

The overall condition is good with signs of use and age including some corrosion to the metalwork as well as scuffs etc to the plastic ear pieces. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that they are a vintage, pre-owned item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A nice original set of Gosport tubes which belonged to an important RAF pilot. Being an item mostly used in the inter-war period before the introduction of more modern 'fighters' with radio equipment, it is conceivable that Edwardes-Jones used these during his first test flight of the Spitfire. 

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'