WWII French fighter pilot uniforms

[wheatPasta]

hi everyone –

I was curious about the French fighter pilot uniforms during WWII. During battle would the pilots just go up in their officer uniforms and caps (see photo area #1) or would they don a flight suit over their uniforms and put on a helmet (see photo area #2) or would they wear leather flight jackets and caps (see photo area #3).
Maybe it was a mixture of all three?

Also does anybody know how the ground crew would be dressed? Berets and maintenance overalls would be my guess.

Thanks in advance.

-wheat

[Jank]

A related question.

Where would the white flag be kept? Was it part of the uniform itself or a fashion accessory?

[Nonskimmer]

Originally Posted by wheatPasta

hi everyone –

I was curious about the French fighter pilot uniforms during WWII. During battle would the pilots just go up in their officer uniforms and caps (see photo area #1) or would they don a flight suit over their uniforms and put on a helmet (see photo area #2) or would they wear leather flight jackets and caps (see photo area #3).
Maybe it was a mixture of all three?

Also does anybody know how the ground crew would be dressed? Berets and maintenance overalls would be my guess.

Thanks in advance.

-wheat

If they were anything like most other air forces of the period, the aircrews likely wore a mix of everything you described there. Like you, I've seen photos and clips of French pilots and crews in an assortment of uniforms and suits, just like your pics there.