WW2 Japanese Navy Petty Officer Kamikaze Pilot Flight Suit 1944

This is the flight suit worn by all Kamikaze Pilots whether officers or petty officers.

Japanese Naval Pilot flight suits came in one piece and two piece uniforms. These were made at various Navy clothing depots.

The winter version was insulated and had a fur collar.

The summer version was either unlined or lined.

This is the lined summer version.

All Navy flight suits had a green cotton patch sewn on the chest. This is where pilots would write their name.

According to the white linen label, this one was made at the 贷與品    第二衣輝廠 which is the 2nd Naval Clothing Depot; is size 3 and was made in Showa 19 (1944).  The label has 記名 printed on it.  This shows where the pilot’s name is to be written.  Sewn on the edge of the label is an inspector’s tag.

There are zippers on the cuffs at the wrists & ankles. The chest zipper needs to be reset as it has come misaligned. One leg zipper is missing the finger handle.

It measures 44 across the chest; has a 38 inch waist and a 27 inch inseam.

The crotch has two buttons so the pilot could relieve himself if necessary.

The original cloth belt is included.

The rate is for a Petty Officer 2nd Class. It was in the pocket.

The Japanese Navy could not graduate sufficient commissioned officers to keep up with the attrition of commissioned officer pilots by 1944. As such, most Japanese pilots in 1944 were actually enlisted men who underwent flight training and were promoted to Petty Officer after graduation from flight school.

These rates and officer’s rank were tacked on by hand in the corners only. If shot down, they were to be ripped off and ditched. Officer pilots could claim they were simply Petty Officer’s who knew less than commissioned officers. Petty Officers could claim they were gunners or other flight crew.