Czech WW2 RAF ???

[billy]

Here is what I think to be a pilot - Mechanic! Free Czech Air Force (RAF) ?? it is numbered to the rear 1344 could someone clarify if I actually have a WW2 badge here? Cheers billy

[arrestingu]

looks post war, if I recall

[fougasse1940]

The other bit is Dutch, judging from the lion.

Rgds, Thomas.

[billy]

Hi and thanks for your thoughts just been exploring and found out it is Air Mechanic 3rd class Soviet Era, as both of these came together was putting them as Czech but as Thomas has said the Lion is different the more you look so am happy to go with Thomas as Dutch is the belt theory still acceptable?

Nice to put a time frame to it many thanks billy

[appie_b]

The second "badge" is indeed Dutch. It is a pre war (till 1940) belt hook .

regards,

Albert.

[billy]

Thanks Thomas, Albert its usefull but I cannot help thinking it would snag on thinsg not like you are wearing a belt with loads of equipment all the time? But it is nice thanks for the confirmation, billy

[skyeman]

Originally Posted by billy

Here is what I think to be a pilot - Mechanic! Free Czech Air Force (RAF) ?? it is numbered to the rear 1344 could someone clarify if I actually have a WW2 badge here? Cheers billy

ground crew specialist, 1968-92, made by State Mint of Kremnica.

[billy]

Hi skyeman thanks for your post - will label it up as such now! The 1344 refers to a person issued to ? is there traceability?

[High Wood]

Originally Posted by billy

I cannot help thinking it would snag on things not like you are wearing a belt with loads of equipment all the time? billy

It is to hold the belt in the correct position and stop it from riding up. The Germans had very similar belt hooks on their Great War tunics.

[skyeman]

Originally Posted by billy

Hi skyeman thanks for your post - will label it up as such now! The 1344 refers to a person issued to ? is there traceability?

the 1344 is indeed an issue ID and in theory one might be able to track down the recipient provided they gain access to the Military Archives of the Czech Army

[billy]

That isn't going to happen!

[skyeman]

you can get these in various gilt/silvered combinations.
generally:
+ golden wings: air engineer - specialist (the literal translation of the qualification is 'Specialist of Engineering Aviation Service)
+ silver wings: ground engineer - specialist

the brighter the badge, the higher class, hence:
+ matte silver wreath&propeller 3rd class (ground only),
+ bright silver 2nd class
+ golden shield 1st class.

there's a "LSGC"-kind type also, all-gilt. these were introduced in 1978 for both ground and air engineer specialists and are rather scarce, unlike the 'ordinary' 1/2/3 class air/ground engineer badges.

[btns]

Lots of Dutch military gear (including modified and repainted coats) were handed out to Nazi Germany's allies in Eastern Europe.