The 1936 Pattern flying boots are the footwear most often associated with RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain. The black leather, fleece-lined boots were pull-on style, with leather pull-tabs sewn inside the boot and a tightening strap to ensure a good fit. At the beginning of the war many pilots wore their service dress shoes during flight operations, but those that could afford (or who could otherwise acquire) a pair of 1936 Pattern boots were the fortunate of ‘The Few’. This pair belonged to the RAF ace Johnny Kent and were privately purchased. The boots are of much higher quality than those manufactured for and provided by the Air Ministry.