In the early years of the last century there was a need for protective clothing for the first aviators. The most important requirement was to ensure fire resistance. In old photographs, drivers, pilots and tank crews in the early 20th century looked largely identical, as they wore the same leather clothing.
By the end of World War II Soviet pilots were using several varieties of flight helmets. Some types of helmets were developed in the USSR, but in addition a large number of helmets produced in other countries were also used. German helmets were very popular among Soviet pilots at the time. The helmet is designed to protect the head from shocks and to properly interact with the airflow when ejecting.
The Air Force raglan coat is made of brown leather. The coat has a lapel collar, two side slanted slash pockets with flaps, insulated lining, slit, countersunk fastener, metal hook on the collar. Straps are sewn on the lower part of the sleeves and fastened with a single button. The split sleeves have straps and buttons for adjusting the hem. The coat can be used as a flying outfit thanks to the lower back slit and buttonholes on both sides at the bottom of the inner side of the coat. In this way, it is possible to wrap the coat flaps around the legs, fastening them with buttons sewn on the front ends of the flaps inside at the same height as the buttonholes.
The uniform belonged to Major-General Anatoly Andreevich Anpilov, Hero of the Soviet Union. During the whole period of operations, the squadron under Anpilov’s command made 833 sorties to attack the enemy, to make reconnaissance of the German front line. Anatoly Anpilov was awarded the title of the Hero of the Soviet Union, three Orders of the Red Banner, three Orders of the Red Star, the Order of Alexander Nevsky and many medals. After the war, Air Force Major-General Anpilov graduated from the Red Banner Military Air Academy and retired in 1971. He lived in Leningrad and was active in community work, was a member of committee of veterans of the 16th Air Army. Air Force Major-General Anpilov never lost touch with his small motherland: he bequeathed all his awards, personal belongings, documents and photos to his hometown.
By the end of World War II Soviet pilots were using several varieties of flight helmets. Some types of helmets were developed in the USSR, but in addition a large number of helmets produced in other countries were also used. German helmets were very popular among Soviet pilots at the time. The helmet is designed to protect the head from shocks and to properly interact with the airflow when ejecting.
The Air Force raglan coat is made of brown leather. The coat has a lapel collar, two side slanted slash pockets with flaps, insulated lining, slit, countersunk fastener, metal hook on the collar. Straps are sewn on the lower part of the sleeves and fastened with a single button. The split sleeves have straps and buttons for adjusting the hem. The coat can be used as a flying outfit thanks to the lower back slit and buttonholes on both sides at the bottom of the inner side of the coat. In this way, it is possible to wrap the coat flaps around the legs, fastening them with buttons sewn on the front ends of the flaps inside at the same height as the buttonholes.
The uniform belonged to Major-General Anatoly Andreevich Anpilov, Hero of the Soviet Union. During the whole period of operations, the squadron under Anpilov’s command made 833 sorties to attack the enemy, to make reconnaissance of the German front line. Anatoly Anpilov was awarded the title of the Hero of the Soviet Union, three Orders of the Red Banner, three Orders of the Red Star, the Order of Alexander Nevsky and many medals. After the war, Air Force Major-General Anpilov graduated from the Red Banner Military Air Academy and retired in 1971. He lived in Leningrad and was active in community work, was a member of committee of veterans of the 16th Air Army. Air Force Major-General Anpilov never lost touch with his small motherland: he bequeathed all his awards, personal belongings, documents and photos to his hometown.
