Orange Overseas Stripes/Bands on Shoulder, HOW?

[Mtnman]

Does anyone know how I can purchase the orange bands that signified overseas service for the South African Air Force? They were attached to the shoulder straps where rank insignia were set in place. I cannot find anyone who sells these or I am looking in the wrong place. Help would be much appreciated or direction where to purchase. Thanks everyone

[Arthur R]

Original "red tabs" may be hard to come by, as they were worn only between 1940 and 1952. Some regiments which had served in WWII started wearing them again in 1994, but those tabs are modern ones, and not necessarily quite the same colour. You might find originals attached to shoulder slip-ons for sale on e-bay and the like, from time to time.

[Alex Rice]

I will try to have a look and see if I have any spares around. I'll let you know.
Cheers,
Alex

[Mtnman]

Thank you gentlemen for your kindness in sharing your wisdom. Might I ask, is it known as fact that these were not worn before 1940? Again, I extend my thanks.

[Arthur R]

Originally Posted by Mtnman

Might I ask, is it known as fact that these were not worn before 1940?

Yes. Its purpose was to identify those who volunteered for service "anywhere in Africa", from March 1940 onwards. As the volunteer had to sign an oath, volunteering became known as "taking the red oath".

Once the African campaigns ended in 1943, volunteers were recruited for service "anywhere in the world", and this became known as "taking the blue oath" because it was believed that they would be issued with a blue flash. However, they also got the orange-red flash.

IIRC, the official name of the flash was something like "Mobile Field Force emblem".

[Madziro]

The "orange "tab tended to fade in the sun and one can find slight variations in the colour. Have attached some images of examples I have for interest.