RAF Wing Commander Sidney Patrick 'Pat' Daniels, D.S.O*, D.F.C* - The original flying headgear worn by Daniels on WW2 operations, including the disastrous Nuremberg Raid (30th - 31st March 1944).
Comprising RAF C-Type 1st pattern leather flying helmet, with G-type oxygen mask and Mk.VIII flying goggles mounted on a dummy display head with an inscribed plaque.

Sold together with the original sale catalogue of purchase by the present vendor (Bonhams, 28th May 1996); a letter to the present vendor from the curator of Royal Air Force Bomber Command Collection confirming the provenance; quantity of related photocopied paperwork and a copy of 'Bomber Barons' by Chaz Bowyer.

*Please note that although the plaque and letter from Bomber Command state this equipment was worn for all 87 sorties, the Type G oxygen mask and Mark VIII goggles were first entered into service in 1943 and could therefore only have been in use from that date onwards.

Notes: RAF Wing Commander Sidney Patrick 'Pat' Daniels, D.S.O*, D.F.C. Pathfinder and Master Bomber. Born in 1921, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1939 and had flown over 80 missions by the time he was 24 years old.

Citations for his medals are as follows:
DFC 6 June 1941: This officer has completed 25 operational flights over the enemy and enemy-occupied country, involving 187 hours flying. He has proved himself to be a captain of outstanding dash and initiative, especially on long-distance flights. In the face of heavy opposition he pressed home his attacks on Berlin and Mannheimn as well as Stettin and Weiserling. He has shown great enthusiasm and efficiency.

Bar to DFC 4 December 1942:
Since being awarded the DFC this officer has participated in numerous successful sorties. His attacks have at all times been pressed home with the greatest determination and excellent photographs of the target area have frequently been obtained. One night in July 1942, Squadron Leader Daniels piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Hamburg. On the outward flight, shortly after setting course from base, one of the engines caught fire and became useless. Despite this, Squadron Leader Daniels flew on to his objective and, regardless of the heavy defences, bombed it successfully. Displaying fine airmanship, he flew the aircraft to base and landed it safely. This officer is an exceptional operational captain who has always displayed fearless determination to complete his allotted task.

DSO 12 March 1943: Since the award of a bar to the DFC this officer has participated in a number of operational sorties from most of which he has returned with excellent photographs of the target area. On a recent occasion, when detailed to attack Hamburg, one of his aircraft's engines failed early on the outward journey. Undaunted he proceeded with his mission, successfully bombed the target and returned safely to base. Squadron Leader Daniels, as Deputy Flight Commander, has displayed utmost courage and enthusiasm, and his influence on the Squadron has been excellent.

Bar to DSO 29 September 1944:
This officer has completed a third tour of operational duty during which he has completed many sorties against strongly defended targets in Germany. He has pressed home his attacks with the greatest determination and his coolness and courage in the face of enemy fire have been most inspiring. He is a highly efficient squadron commander whose sterling qualities have impressed all.

Condition Report

Please see additional images. The mask is very much at fault, a section at the top is missing (the area which originally had the nosewire and its retaining loops) and the other areas are perishing and cracking. There is also a tear to the lower section of the mask.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.