601 Squadron "The Flying Swords" - Uniform

[Scarecrow]

The attached uniform belonged to John "Tilly" Tilston. I acquired this set directly from John quite a few years ago. One of 601 Squadron's most famous members was the American Billy Fiske. A very colorful person and an Olympic Bobsled gold medal winner. And one of if not the first American killed in the Battle of Britain. John Tilston did not fly during the BOB but joined 601 in North Africa. John always felt that one of his most exciting missions was the one where he was shot down over the North African desert by Heinrich Bar, the Luftwaffe's seventh leading ace. John was so affected by this encounter that he had a painting commissioned memorializing the event. (photo attached). John bailed out that day and became a member of the Caterpillar Club. He lost his original card and pin, so the ones pictured are replacements that John received. To the best of his recollection he said that he bought the pictured uniform and cap in Egypt. Hope you enjoy the photos.

 

Paul

 

[irish]

Fantastic , thanks for the photos and information.

[teamski]

Beautiful!

 

-Ski