IJNAF ground crew uniforms
Like the IJAAF, the first uniforms of the mechanics of the Japanese Navy were nothing more than the regulation sailor uniforms. In the photo, ground crew members of the Yokosuka Kokutai pose with two pilots and a British instructor from the Sembil Mission.
Pretty soon, the IJNAF ground crews were supplied with their own one-piece uniform.
Seaplane ground crews were also supplied with rubber boots and chest waders to help them push the seaplanes from the ramp into the sea. These were worn only by ground crews of Japan-based units, not in the Pacific seaplane bases.
Naturally, the white overalls pretty soon became dirty.
The same overalls were worn by the mechanics on aircraft and seaplane carriers. Gas masks were also worn and in this case, the ground crews wear them while servicing a Nakajima E8N "Dave" seaplane of the battleship Mutsu.
Another photo featuring ground crews in white overalls.
Quilted winter overalls were also available and crews usually combined them with their own jackets, regulation or not.
In the islands of the South Pacific, the official summer uniform was worn. Originally it was white but soon it was replaced with khaki.
An example of the white version of the Navy summer uniform.
An example of the khaki version.
Two examples of the hat often worn in the tropics.
A moden photo I spotted on the net with reenactors wearing examples of the different khaki uniforms that was worn by the Japanese Navy during the Pacific War.
A relaxing moment during a break with music. Note the different head-gear and the Kawanishi H6K "Mavis" flying boats in the background.
No comments:
Post a Comment