444 Cdn Arty observation spotter

[Tanker Mike]

Here are some interesting pictures of flashes used by the 444 RCA observation battery.

At first the unit flew in 1947 at Rivers MB and provided artillery observation for the Royal Canadian Artillery and also trained Army aviators for operational light aircraft tasks. The Squadron flew Austers and the DeHavilland Chipmunk until it was disbanded in April 1949.

The Sqn flew Sabres and F-104 Starfighters until 1967 when No. 444 Tactical Helicopter Squadron reformed as the air element of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade group stationed in Lahr, West Germany until 444 Squadron was disbanded on 1 April 1992

The arty spotters flew around in helicopters spotting for the arty battery's in Germany. They flew in CH-112 Nomad and later CH-136 Kiowa helicopters.
These badges appear to be from the 1960’s. From what I can find senior NCO’s were in the second seat of these flights.

The large green 444 appears to be a combat cap badge on the floppy combat boonie hat.

Mike

Pictures courtesy Chris Brooker

[Phillip Herring]

Those look like Chris Brooker's images from his recent eBay sales.

I think the round 444 patch is for the flying suit/jacket.

[Tanker Mike]

The badge appears small, just the right size of a combat capbadge.

[Bill A]

I was told, when I acquired my example of the 444 subdued patch that it was a sqn patch. It is a bit big for a combat cap badge. I was also under the impression that neither flight crew or ground crew wore the combat cap; it was only an issue item for the army.

[Bill A]

Just a reminder. If using images made by someone else, please ensure you have permission / give credit for the same.

[Tanker Mike]

Credit was given in my post...email to me provided below.

"Hello Chris
Can I screen capture your 444 Sqn patches and post a thread on them on the British Badge fourm?
Mike

Hi Mike,
Certainly. You do not have to ask permission to use any imagages I post as I believe in sharing any information I have.
Cheers, Chris"

[Bill A]

Thanks Mike. The issue of copyright usually comes back after the fact and bites.