By: Graeylin
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This is an IJN inspired bash, based on a late war IJN pilot. Officers were expected to chip in with repairs and
armament of their own planes, so it was not unusual to see pilots carrying bombs, machine gun belts, or wrenches to
arm and repair their planes. This bash is based on a picture of a late war pilot, carrying a 60 Kg pound bomb across an
airfield to arm his plane prior to flight. Late in the war, the pilots were younger, as the older, more experienced pilots
had been shot down and lost. This pilot even wears glasses, a sight more commonly seen towards the end of the war,
when anyone remotely connected with flight schools was drafted to fly in the defense of the homeland.
This pilot wears a summer weight jumpsuit, with a shoulder band identifier of the rising sun. This became commonly worn in 1945, for identification of the pilot should they have to ditch their plane over home territory (Japan, Kyushu, Okinawa, etc.). This wasn't necessary early in the war, as no pilots other than Japanese could have ditched over the homelands. But, during the end, pilots routinely wore identifiers so they would not be mistaken for Allied pilots. He carries a late war automatic pistol simply tucked into his belt, as leather and canvas at this time were in so short a supply, there were no holsters being made. He carries his wristwatch on his belt, and has a civilian altimiter around his neck, most likely a gift from another pilot or his parents. Pilots were not issued altimeters by the military, they purchased them on the secondary market if they wished them. |
| Very nice work on both of these figures old buddy! It was hard to pick my favorite, but I think I'm going to have to go with that Japanese pilot on this one. Just a very cool looking figure and we don't get to see many pictures of Japanese pilots around here. Great stuff once again my friend. Special thanks for sending them in and sharing them with us. - GL |
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