WW2 RAF Glaunclet gloves
In 1941, amid the height of the Second World War, the Royal Air Force (RAF) standardized its issue of flying clothing to support the increasing operational tempo of the air war over Europe. One of the essential pieces of this kit was the RAF 1941 gauntlet glove, a design that reflected the practical needs of aircrew operating in cold, high-altitude environments where frostbite and loss of dexterity posed serious risks to mission success and survival.
The 1941 gauntlet gloves were part of a broader effort to upgrade aircrew gear following the lessons learned in the early years of the war. These gloves were designed to offer maximum protection against the extreme cold encountered in unpressurized bomber and fighter cockpits at altitude, while still providing enough flexibility for tasks such as handling navigation instruments, operating radios, or flying aircraft.
The gloves featured a full-length gauntlet design that extended well past the wrist and over the lower forearm, intended to overlap with the sleeves of the flying jacket to prevent cold air from entering. The outer layer was typically made of supple yet durable leather, usually in a dark brown or sometimes tan finish, which was both wind-resistant and provided a degree of water resistance. The interior was lined with soft wool or fleece, such as Sheepskin or Angora wool, which offered insulation against the cold. The gloves also often featured a strap or fastening mechanism at the wrist to allow for a snug fit and to prevent slippage during use.
As with most wartime equipment, the RAF gauntlet gloves were the result of collaboration between military specification designers and civilian manufacturers. The gloves were designed according to specifications issued by the Air Ministry, the governmental body responsible for the RAF. While there is no single individual credited with the glove’s design, it would have been developed by the Directorate of Equipment at the Air Ministry, which oversaw the design, testing, and approval of all clothing and personal equipment issued to RAF personnel.
Manufacture of the 1941 gauntlet gloves was contracted out to various British companies with experience in leatherworking and clothing production. Known manufacturers included firms such as Fownes Brothers & Co., Dents, and other established glove-makers, many of whom had pivoted their production lines to support the war effort. These companies produced gloves in accordance with strict military specifications to ensure standardization and interchangeability across the service.
Exact production figures are difficult to determine due to the fragmented nature of wartime manufacturing records and the involvement of multiple contractors. However, given the scale of RAF operations at the time, it is reasonable to estimate that hundreds of thousands of pairs were produced between 1941 and the end of the war in 1945. The RAF had hundreds of thousands of personnel, including pilots, navigators, gunners, and ground crew, many of whom required cold-weather flying gear. Replacements due to wear, damage, and loss also contributed to high production numbers.
