jim lemon

One more question, am I correct in assuming the 254/5 on the tag would designate the squadron?

Interesting that the veteran started out as an AC1 and was then commissioned. Was that common in the RAF? I can't tell if the DFC was added by looking. The person who sold it to me didn't even know it was a DFC ribbon, but who knows how many hands it has passed through since the war. Thanks for the information, I'll keep searching and let you know what I find.

I did find a Norman Shuttleworth Halliwell service number 109430 listed in the London Gazette, however no reference to a DFC. I'll keep researching. Here's a picture of the tunic on display (note: the cap is not from the same veteran). Thanks for all your help.

Here's a larger pic

Thanks so much. If I find anything I'll post it. The tag states Halliwell, N.S. and 254/5 which I assume is 254th Squadron.

Can someone tell me if there are any online resources to research the RAF pilot who owned this uniform? Thanks for your time.

Oh and I had to wear a shako for 4 years in military school, so I know exactly what you mean about how they can roast the sweat right out of the skull. The liner on this shako is far to clean. What an unpractical item of military dress, whoever invented the shako sure was sadistic.

Hi Peter, thanks for the link what an awesome museum! And, yes my shako seems to be similar to those. I'm still not sure on the originality of the shako. It is either an excellently made repro, (better than any other I've seen) or an original that was never issued. I think you have a good idea in that the liner could of been replaced. On the shako's you've seen, is it typical that the entire inside is lined in linen? I folded back the leather sweat band to get a look at the drawstring liner and the inside of the shako is also lined and handstitched in a whipstitch to the sides of the cap. Also the drawstring liner is handstiched and the cord appears to be a very fragile silk, which has become frayed. Fortunately I paid @ what a good repro costs, although I've never thought about portraying a Portuguese soldier in the Peninsular campaign : )

Thanks,

Jim

Hi all, does anyone have any opinions as to the authenticity of this shako? I believe its a Portuguese barretina. Thanks for your time.

Jim