WW2 Canadian Killed In Action C Type Flying Helmet

Early C Type flying helmet. 22C marked. Probably a size 2. Overall condition is good but used with wear to the leather exterior. All leather straps and metal buckles present. One ear cup damaged.

To interior the name "Rob Molloy" together with one line of unreadable text and what looks like a service number below.

Robert was born at Edmonton, Alberta on 8 June 1924. His parents were both born in England and his father worked as an accountant. Both were British citizens. He had a sister Margaret. The schools Robert attended were both in Edmonton: Garneau between 1931-1939 (grade 9) and then Strathcona between 1939-1942 (grade 12). The sports he took part in were basketball, rugby and tennis. As he was still a student Robert had no occupation.

Robert enlisted on 8 June 1942 and after training was posted to the U.K. He departed Canada on 26 August 1943 arriving at 3PRC on 2 September 1943. He reached 4 (0)AFU on 19 October 1943, 82 OTU 21 December 1943 and 61 Base 30 March 1944, followed by 419 Squadron on 6 August 1944. Sadly Robert, still only 20 years old, was to lose his life a few weeks later on 23 October 1944.

https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/219697/

It is not clear how this helmet survives. It could be a spare helmet, one used in training or an early helmet which was replaced after a reissue.

A high emotive item with scope for further research.

Code: 499