Trial CAF Parachutist / Para Rescue wing
 

This is a copy of my post from Army.ca:

I am looking for some input and assistance regarding the Parachutist Wing trial prototypes introduced between 1967 and the early 1970s.

I refer you to a post on army.ca from July, 2011: "Old Sweat" Wings - Quote "If anybody cares, there was an attempt around 1970-1971 to introduce a CF pattern wing with the wings bent upward in the arc such as was used for certain air force "back of the plane" badges. It was short lived, very, very short lived."

I have copies of files from the Directorate of Ceremonial dated 1967 and 1968 directing the production of prototype wings for the unification uniform trials. The wings chosen included a wing identified as Parachutist / Para Rescue (combined), with upswept wings and a yellow / gold chute. There were to be two versions produced of each wing, Type A with the word CANADA below the centre device, and Type B with the laurel leaves wrapping around the base of the badge similar to the current upswept wing design.

I have in my collection an example of the Air Navigator and Flight Surgeon wings from this prototype project, and I have seen a Flight Engineer example. Therefore it is very likely that all of the selected wings, including the Parachutist / Para Rescue, were produced. Have any of you seen any examples, or photos of these wings? Is anyone lucky enough to have one of these in their collection?

Please let me know, and attach an image if possible. Thank you. George

Hello George, welcome to the Forum. Your account is active and open for posts.
I have been through files held at LAC, and there is some discussion about that wing, as well there is some discussion in Ken Joyce's Jump Wings book. It was my understanding that the upswept pattern did not proceed to production. There may have been samples produced.

Upswept Jump Wing
 

[IMG]http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/...psyagbcbhy.jpg[/IMG]

Bruce, is that a trial badge or is it a sample for the Para-Rescue but with the incorrect canopy colour?

Depending on which resource you use, I've seen it listed as a trial jump wing and a trial Para Rescue wing. I feel it is a trial Para Rescue wing myself. I do know there was much debate on the design of the basic para wing. It was firmly to be an upswept wing while the CDS was ex-RCAF. When the CDS changed to an ex-army type, it became an outstretched wing. The approved design was Type E, I believe.

Thanks for your thoughts Bruce. I lean towards a trial badge for the Para-Rescue as well.

I seem to recall that the Para Rescue wing became outstretched about 1983. I believe this was about the time the occupation became Search and Rescue Technician and the outstretched wing was adopted because they were now an occupation rather than a qualification and were considered aircrew. The CDS at the time would have been General Ramsey Withers, formerly RCCS.

See the link, about half way down:
http://www.pararescue.ca/Para_Rescue/History.html

The Para Rescue wing didn't change. The SAR tech wing was a new badge, representing a new trade. Both could be seen worn concurrently (not by the same person, of course). Not all Para Rescue pers went SAR Tech. Or those who held the old qual could still wear the "old" wing, mostly riggers and fitters, but some nurses. The debate on upswept or outstretched wing refers to the Basic Para wing. The ex RCAF types, wanted outstretched wing for those who are in control of the aircraft, pilot, navigator, etc. ALL others would have upswept wings, including other aircrew and parachutists. This was supported by CDS Gen FR Sharp CMM, DFC, CD. When he was replaced by Gen JA Dextraze, CC, CMM, CBE, DSO & Bar, KStJ, CD, he quashed that idea and the jump wing was redesigned to be outstretched.