It was suggested to me, certainly on more than on occasion, the last, on here, I think, that these badges were made for the PFF Association, but, whilst I have a number of them, I have a couple that came in groups without absolutely anything postwar whatsoever, as well as an example given to me by a recipient who very clearly stated his badge was given to him in 1945 whilst he was still flying operationally, I really cannot think he would lie about something as trivial as that.
However, as I said, any eagle, is a PFF badge if worn as such by a recipient who was entitled to wear it, moreover, sealed patterns do exist without the distinctive pin.
Regarding operational flying, if you were unfortunate enough to be captured and the enemy had access to the remains of your aircraft, it certainly could be very obvious you were a member of 8 Group, without them having to even mention it.
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Originally Posted by Rodovitost
Many thanks for confirming, both. Glad my gamble paid off. I know you can never be 100% certain about these badges without provenance but it's good to know you have a similar badge from a bone fide direct source, Frank. I'm intrigued as to why the pin-back badge is thought of as post-war only by some, given the sensitivity of wearing such insignia on ops. One would think an easily removable pin badge would make sense for battle-dress.
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