RAF webbing

[Khaki]

Did the RAF use blue webbing in the Great war?

khaki

[Tim P]

since RAF blue was adopted because a massive cloth overrun for a cancelled order for another country (somewhere in the eastern bloc I think) at or about its formation from the amalgamation of the RFC and the RNAS, I suspect that when the wear out period and transition into the newly sanctioned blues had come into force, from a start of 01 Apr 18, any webbing would not have been blue.

blue webbing of ww1 configuration can be found but I suspect this to be post 1925. I doubt that with the armistice coming only months after the RAF's formation much of an effort to blue up the web gear would be made in an environment where other priorities existed.

That is speculation of course. someone may know better. Hope it helps anyhow

[Khaki]

Thanks for the detailed answer Tim,

I suspect that you are right, I had thought it was probably just after the war, but to be honest I just didn't know and could not find any reference to it.

Thanks again

khaki

[John Thorne]

Blue-grey webbing was authorised for the RAF by Air Ministry Weekly Order No. 591.1927, which introduced Web Equipment, Pattern 1925. The new equipment was for home service only. RAF personnel outside UK continued to use drab W.E. Patt. '08. The use of blue-grey webbing was extended to the RCAF and RAAF shortly after. You can find details in the Pattern 1925 section of Karkee Web.

[Khaki]

Thanks John, A very useful site, I did have a quick look at the time but missed the 1925 pattern, thanks for pointing it out.

khaki