What is the best piece of kit ever issued
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I remember the survival knife - called a "Wilky" knife? It was a cross between a machete and a Bowie knife and a pretty useful piece of kit.
Another good bit of kit - though not the lightest helmet available at the time - was the Mk3 helmet with double visors - it was an improvement over the Mk1A/Mk2A. Fortunately I never had to put its bird-strike resistance to the test, or worse, its ability to protect one's face/eyes from MDC "splatter" if forced to jump out.
The worst bit of kit just had to be Boots (DMS) times 2, for the use of....getting wet, getting blisters, getting Trench Foot - or all three!
MB
Another good bit of kit - though not the lightest helmet available at the time - was the Mk3 helmet with double visors - it was an improvement over the Mk1A/Mk2A. Fortunately I never had to put its bird-strike resistance to the test, or worse, its ability to protect one's face/eyes from MDC "splatter" if forced to jump out.
The worst bit of kit just had to be Boots (DMS) times 2, for the use of....getting wet, getting blisters, getting Trench Foot - or all three!
MB
Yes, Him
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called a "Wilky" knife?
Forgot to vote for Hexy cooker, sat in me 'ole somewhere just outside Skrydstrup, mug of hot choc/oatmeal porridgey stuff, watching the little blue flames of my Hexy telly.
Poxy Harriers.
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I will see your compo tin opener and raise you the one out of the old aircrew survival ration with the spoon on the end.
Definitely with you on the SLR.
RAB down jacket proffed from TCW.
The LandRover Series III 90 from St Mawgan that we were sent for Ex SAIF SAREEA II - she had obviously never left the airfield in years and was squeaky and stiff as all hell. A couple of weeks of being thrown around the Omani desert and she was as good as new. Plenty of room in the back for the Maseerah beer run.
The Honda dirt bikes in TCW MT. Miles of smiles (and crashes).
Definitely with you on the SLR.
RAB down jacket proffed from TCW.
The LandRover Series III 90 from St Mawgan that we were sent for Ex SAIF SAREEA II - she had obviously never left the airfield in years and was squeaky and stiff as all hell. A couple of weeks of being thrown around the Omani desert and she was as good as new. Plenty of room in the back for the Maseerah beer run.
The Honda dirt bikes in TCW MT. Miles of smiles (and crashes).
Without doubt it's my trusty Dzus key, given to me within a few minutes of getting on the IX Sqn tin triangle line at Waddo' & been in my pocket ever since. Have told my missus to make sure it's in my hand when they burn me just in case I'm still breathing when they light the fires - that bit of craftily shaped metal opens anything! Spare one sent to TVOC - hope its proving useful guys 
Last edited by Rocket2; 30th Oct 2009 at 15:20.
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Well Said Rocky, I too had a faithfull Dzus key that was always by my side and had multiple uses. However, learn from my mistake and never give away its true purpose:
"Whats that?" I'm asked as I go through airport security.
"It's a dzus key"
"What's it for?"
"Opening aircraft panels"
They were quite good about it and I did eventually manage to make my flight, less dzus key natch. I still miss it and often wondered what became of it.
"Whats that?" I'm asked as I go through airport security.
"It's a dzus key"
"What's it for?"
"Opening aircraft panels"
They were quite good about it and I did eventually manage to make my flight, less dzus key natch. I still miss it and often wondered what became of it.
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Boots
I'm surprised that no-one has suggested flying boots. I still have a pair and they are as soft as chamois.
Also, Canberra PR7 starter cartridge cases.......when suitably modified and cleaned up they made great beer mugs.
Also, Canberra PR7 starter cartridge cases.......when suitably modified and cleaned up they made great beer mugs.
Good one Wasser - I've just spilt me tea laughing - suppose you had a set of contact files too? That was my second best bit of kit until Mrs. R2 knicked them for filing her nails - still uses them & they are still as good as new.
Dried Apple flakes from the rat packs. Was told to hide them by a Gurkha Training Cadre DS once, or he reckoned the troops would kill me for them - they still had the old rat packs with heavy tins in!
"The compo tin widger"
KFS circa 1947, issued to me in 1972 and I still have them.
Flying socks, still in constant use since I left in '96
Tinned peaches in compo. After 2 weeks in the field...orgasmic!
Pro Boots
KFS circa 1947, issued to me in 1972 and I still have them.
Flying socks, still in constant use since I left in '96
Tinned peaches in compo. After 2 weeks in the field...orgasmic!
Pro Boots
Join Date: Feb 2007
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In that context then I assume the best pice of kit you have ever received would be the MB tie, I think that if you are here to be handed some silk doodad from then their primary product has worked pretty damn well.
The worst would have to be - Boots, DMS,legs and feet, for the ruining of....
The worst would have to be - Boots, DMS,legs and feet, for the ruining of....
Red On, Green On
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I rather liked a pair of puttees. Kept the sh!te off the bottom of your trousers, and gave a bit of support to the ankle. Great when bashing the Brecons with a brick-loaded Bergen etc. Did get a bit soggy if you went too deep in the peat bog, though.
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1. Green Headover - still works on the bike if I can't find newer 'technical fabric' alternative
2. New warm wx socks that look like they'd do OK in cold wx as well? (also used extensively on bike)
2. New warm wx socks that look like they'd do OK in cold wx as well? (also used extensively on bike)
Join Date: Jun 2001
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The only thing I still have is my aircrew whistle.
It was never used for its intended purpose but it has survived over 50 years of intermittent use by referees, calling the kids in when they were young, trying to teach the dog various commands, and calling for hush at noisy parties.
It was never used for its intended purpose but it has survived over 50 years of intermittent use by referees, calling the kids in when they were young, trying to teach the dog various commands, and calling for hush at noisy parties.
Join Date: Feb 2007
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I see your 110 V8 and raise the 34 sqn rockape V8 - the one they called the interceptor.
Parts from LPO's with stuff like rimmer bros and RPI etc.
Scary quick - in a straight line and I had a 600 sports bike at the time and was not afraid to use it.
Parts from LPO's with stuff like rimmer bros and RPI etc.
Scary quick - in a straight line and I had a 600 sports bike at the time and was not afraid to use it.