This is an example of a standard issue Royal Canadian Air Force winter coat. It was worn by Wing Commander Gareth W. Flewelling (1924-2011).
Flewelling joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 and trained as a navigator. During World War II, he was a crew member in Halifax bombers flying numerous bombing and clandestine missions dropping spies behind enemy lines in Europe.
Following the war he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from McGill University. He rejoined the RCAF and retired in 1975 as a wing commander. He served at nine RCAF bases across Canada, from Goose Bay, Nfld., to Cold Lake, Alta. He donated his uniform to the National Air and Space Museum as a gift of international goodwill and cooperation while serving on Air Staff at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
Canada
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Uniforms: Military
Manufacturer
Tip Top Tailors
Physical Description
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) blue wool service coat ; single breasted with open drop fall collar; four brass buttons down front with embossed eagle surmounted by a Queen's Crown, embossed R.C.A.F. text below eagle; two upper button flap pockets with box pleats; two lower button flap pockets; Royal Canadian Air Force Navigator's half-wing (white embroidered wing with white embroidered "N" and "RCAF" surrounded by brown embroidered wreath; Tudor (King's) Crown surmounts "N") above left breast pocket; two medal ribbon bars above left breast pocket (British War Medal/Star 1939-1945, Italy Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, United Nations Korea Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration); Wing Commander's cuff rank insignia (three stripes each with 2 black stripes with single light blue stripe 1 cm wide) Rank insignia stripes on cuff; Nationality insignia on each shoulder light blue embroidered "CANADA" on dark blue felt; attached waist belt.
Dimensions
Clothing: 85.1 x 58.4 x 7.6cm (33 1/2 x 23 x 3 in.)
Materials
Overall: Wool, synthetic fabric, silk, metal
Inventory Number
A19721262000
Credit Line
Donated by Wing Commander Gareth Flewelling
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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