Original 1939 Dated RAF MKIII Flying Goggles - Attributed Edwardes-Jones 213 / 17 SQDN

An original pair of Royal Air Force MK III Flying Goggles as used during the Second World War which date from 1939 and belonged to John Humphrey Edwardes-Jones who was the first RAF pilot to 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.

This pattern of goggles came into use with the RAF during the 1930s and is now today one of the iconic 'Battle of Britain' period goggles. They saw use throughout the war with Fighter Command, Bomber Command, Coastal Command the USAAF - amongst others. This particular example dates from the pre-war period or very early stage of WW2 as they bear a 1939 contract date to the leather strap. 

The goggles are British made rather than the more common Canadian examples often seen on the market. The strap features sprung metal sides which are joined by a piece of leather. This bears the 1939 contract number and other Air Ministry markings. The RAF stores code of 22C/62 is also present, as is the Air Ministry AM and crown marking. 

The googles are in good condition but do show some limited signs of age.  The leather section of the strap is good as is the metalwork. The lenses are the originals but are misshapen and opaque due to storage. These could be replaced but they are present here in 'as found' condition. 

Due to the 1939 date on the strap, it is very possible that these are the actual goggles that Edwardes-Jones was wearing during the Battle for France. The provenance of these goggles makes them a serious piece of RAF history which would undoubtedly make a fine addition to any RAF collection. 

 

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