WW2 British 1939 Dated B Type Flying Helmet - Wearer KIA 26th March 1942 Holland

A poignant piece of flying memorabilia this 1939 dated B Type flying helmet was worn by an Air Gunner who was killed on 26th March 1942 when his Halifax bomber was shot down over Holland.
Sergeant Ronald Harry Joseph Barrie Service number 967059 was born 1921 & began his RAF service as an Air Gunner on Blenheims during the Battle of France in 1940. His name is clearly written onto the interior of the helmet this presumably his spare or previous issue .
Helmet is in very good order with label giving manufacturer as Frank Bryan Ltd with the date 1939. All fittings are firm & intact with both earcup zips fully functionable & retaining their leather pulls. Earcups are totally period handstitched to helmet with no evidence of other stitch holes or previous placement. Chamois lining is very good & undamaged. Leather still supple.
It is increasingly difficult to find B Type helmets , let alone those that are attributable.

Code: 15491