Scarce Original RAF D Type Oxygen Mask - Attributed Edwardes-Jones 213 / 17 Squadron

An exceptionally rare original RAF Type D oxygen mask which was owned by Air Marshal Sir John Humphrey Edwardes-Jones KCB CBE DFC AFC, the first RAF pilot to officially test fly the Supermarine 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.

The Type D oxygen mask was the standard RAF oxygen mask worn by fighter pilots during the late 1930s and very early part of the Second World War. It was used extensively during the Battle of France and Battle of Britain period before being superseded by the Type E mask in 1941. Original Type D masks are now exceptionally difficult to find, particularly complete examples retaining their original microphone, wiring loom and receivers.

The main body of the mask is made from a green coloured barathea wool and is lined with chamois. There is a cardboard interlining around the nose as well as a metal wire which is intended to help shape the mask to the wearer's face. Two metal press studs are fitted to each cheek. The metal microphone retaining ring is present and is in good condition, retaining the majority of its black paint finish. The letters 'M' and 'MB' have been written in ink to the side of the mask. Their exact meaning is unknown, although such ink markings were commonly used as identification or ownership markings and may relate to an individual or equipment allocation.

This example is fitted with a Type 20 microphone which was introduced in October 1940. The fitting of a later microphone is entirely normal on a mask which remained in service as new microphone types were introduced and does not detract from the age or originality of the mask itself. Indeed, the extensive wear to the mask, particularly to the chamois lining on the interior, strongly suggests that it saw prolonged personal use before and after the microphone was updated. As the Type D was replaced by the Type E in 1941, it is highly likely that this is the mask Edwardes-Jones used during his operational flying in 1940, including his service with 213 Squadron during the Battle of France and Dunkirk, before subsequently being updated with the Type 20 microphone.

The microphone is complete with an early Q Type wiring loom, 10H/10353. This is the correct early-war type, featuring the plain khaki coloured exterior without the later flecked finish. As with the early looms, the cords are fully rounded. The loom remains attached to the original bell plug, which is itself still present and features a section of material wrapped around the waist, a particularly nice period feature.

The mask is also complete with a pair of the correct and rare early-war Type C receivers, bearing the RAF stores code 10A/7063. Officially designated 'Receivers, telephone, head, Type C', these were used in conjunction with the Type B flying helmet and Type D oxygen mask. They are constructed from plastic or Bakelite moulded over a steel shell and retain their separate screw-on Bakelite covers. These are not to be confused with the much more common later versions which look similar. 

The mask is in excellent condition and displays extremely well with plenty of honest signs of wear and use. The most notable wear is to the chamois lining on the interior, where the extensive rubbing and wear is consistent with prolonged use. There are some flaws to the exterior, including several small holes as illustrated in the photographs, whilst the reverse of the press studs show some age and corrosion. The original microphone, wiring loom, receivers and bell plug all remain present and in good condition. Please study the photographs carefully before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage item which may have small flaws commensurate with age.

The provenance is exceptional and fully documented. The mask was formerly the property of Air Marshal Sir John Humphrey Edwardes-Jones and was purchased at the disposal sale of his estate in 1992. It forms part of a group of personal items from Edwardes-Jones which have remained together and are now being offered from the same source.

This is the ultimate item for any Battle of Britain collector and is missing from many collections. Not only is it an exceptionally rare and complete surviving Type D oxygen mask with all of its important associated components, but it has direct and fully documented provenance to Air Marshal Sir John Humphrey Edwardes-Jones, the first RAF pilot to officially test fly the prototype Spitfire and wartime commander of 213 Squadron. The combination of the mask's extensive evidence of personal use, its 1940 operational relevance and its direct provenance makes this an outstanding piece of RAF history.

The additional pictures show the mask worn with a B Type flying helmet and a pair of 1939 dated MKIIIA goggles - the later also belonged to Edwardes-Jones and are listed separately.

This is a vintage item which is ‘sold as seen’