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 CLICK HERE to see close-up details and more images. This is a very special A-2! We have amalgamated two great selling points, in this, our latest addition to the original A-2 flight jacket stable: Authenticity and History. In homage to one of the greatest fighter units of all time, we are proud to introduce the 352nd Fighter Group, Bluenoser A-2. During WWII, a multitude of land, sea and air force units were engaged in the conflict. For their achievements in battle, some gained more renown than others - the 352nd Fighter Group were most exceptional in this accomplishment. Between September '43 and April '45, with their Bluenose Mustangs, they exorcised the skies of Europe with unadulterated efficiency. It's not surprising then, that they soon earned themselves the nickname by the Luftwaffe 'The Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney'. General William Kepner, commander of the 8th Fighter Command had a slightly more eloquent title for them however - 'Second to None'! In not much more than 18 months of combat duty, their record of achievements looked like this: This superb offering of an A-2, combines detailed authenticity, unique to the 352nd Ftr Grp, and to the original A-2 maker; The Monarch Manufacturing Co. It is endorsed by the official 352nd Fighter Group Association, who have received our 'Bluenoser' A-2 with great applause, and given it their seal of approval. This is a great honour for us of course, and an added credential to assure our customers they are getting the very best. A great deal of research and development has gone into this product, working with, and interviewing, original wartime members of the 352nd, who have graciously given their time and effort to help us reproduce the definitive 352nd A-2 flight jacket. So what makes this A-2 so special. Well, to start with, as you can see, it is yet another accurate reproduction by us, of an original maker: The Monarch Mfg Co. Contract W535 A.C. 23378. And secondly, it uniquely represents those jackets worn by the 352nd Ftr Grp, by the addition of the interior canvas pockets, which were official wartime rigger-mods. The original Maker: Awarded to Monarch in mid ?41, it was the only AAF contract for A-2's they received, and for a relatively small quantity, making original examples of these particularly hard to find. Made from an aniline dyed, Chestnut shade, veg tanned Horsehide (War Horse®), this maker had it's own distinct cut, and sewing style. One of the most identifiable details being the particularly long pointed collar, with rounded lobes. The 352nd rigger-mod: As the air war over Europe escalated, Allied air missions were flying deeper and deeper into enemy territory. Because of this, pilots were becoming more at risk to capture, should they be shot down. Accordingly, they were issued with an increasing array of innovative escape and evade survival equipment, to better help them make a successful return to friendly lines should this happen. This included ingeniously designed compact packages of rations, maps, foreign currency, compases etc that were issued to them just before each mission. With limited stowage facilities on their person, and the A-2 being rather inadequate in this detail, having only two small outside patch pockets, the pilots of the 352nd Ftr Grp had their A-2's modified by the addition of two large inside pockets. It was a modification unique to the 352nd. So it was most probably sanctioned at 352nd HQ level, rather than any higher authority. Our reproduction: We have been asked on many occasions to fit inside pockets by customers, but have always been rather reluctant to do so, as it detracts from the concept of authenticity. So, if it?s extra pocket space you need, here is the perfect A-2, and totally authentic. Our reproduction of the 352nd Monarch A-2, is the benchmark of authenticity, and the quest to make desirable reproductions of classic wartime jackets. Made to exacting specifications, we have copied the Monarch A-2 as faithfully as possible, using premium grade veg-tanned Horsehide, aniline dyed to the correct colour. We have furnished the jacket with all the correct fastenings, lining, knit, label, and of course one of our legendary original wartime produced Talon zips. 2nd Lt Carleton 'Bud' Fuhrman served with the 486th Ftr Sqdn, of the 352nd Ftr Grp, whilst based at Bodney, England, during WWII. It was from his original Monarch A-2, that is still owned and cherished by Bud, that we have taken the specification of the inside pockets. We have used the same quality OD parachute pack canvas, as was used on Bud?s jacket. And as you will see from the detailed close-up images on the page linked at the top of this page, the pocket stitching goes right through both the lining and leather shell, just like Buds To further identify the uniqueness of this model, every jacket is stencilled in the back of the lining, in correct wartime flight jacket stencil spec, with '352nd FTR GRP'. These A-2's will be made in limited numbers, and individually numbered on a card ticket in the right pocket, just as the originals were. We will not entertain making them in any other specification, such as different shades, hides, thread etc, so we respectfully ask that you don't request this. Our 352nd Bluenoser A-2 will be made only one way - the way it was! Special thanks goes to 352nd veterans, Robert 'Punchy' Powell, and Carlton 'Bud' Fuhrman (whose original Monarch A-2 we worked from). And Mark Hamel 352nd Ftr Grp historian, for their invaluable help in making this product a reality. Wear a 352nd Fighter Group jacket - the ultimate A-2! Available in sizes: 36 - 48 In the drop down size menu you will see there is a choice of 'New' or 'Time Worn'. Please CLICK HERE to find out more about 'Time Worn'. Price: £448.85 (Time Worn £528.85) | |||||
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