Central band badge
 

Has anyone got an example or picture of the badge worn on the front of the busby by the central band. I have the plume,chord,and a shoulder title and would like to find the correct badge. regards Kevin

Hopefully without going off thread, I noticed at the Albert Hall on Saturday evening and then at the Cenotaph today the Central Band were wearing peaked caps with what appeared to be a large version of the RAF Cap badge.
Does anybody know what's happened to the Busbys please?
Peter4447:confused:

The Busby badge is the same as that worn on the band peaked cap. It is a larger version of the airmans embroidered badge but in gold wire. Examples shown for size difference.

Is that a QCS cap on the right, or is that the standard other ranks cap now? Regards, Paul.

It is the QCS version

Thankyou both, I wonder if one could be bought from the manufacturer , Any ideas who might make them?

Go to the following link - http://www.kellybadge.co.uk/Stock/aviation.htm
he has one for sale at £10 - hope this helps?

Dave

Thanks dragon ,I have just ordered one ,looking forward to posting a picture of the set together.kevin

Unfortunatly sold out and not updated list,I wonder who makes them for the band?

Peter4447

Having just been viewing the RAF Music website, it seems the answer to your question is there -

"On 29 April 2011 at the Wedding of HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton, RAF Music Services retired the Busby after thirty-five years in favour of a Ceremonial Cap. The change was made as it was felt the Cap better reflected the public image of the RAF as a whole, the Busby being exclusive to the Bands."

Hi dragon166

Many thanks for that. I did check the website but failed to spot they had retired the busby. It was a very distinctive item of headgear and personally I find it very sad. Can't understand why they did not retain it for outdoor use.

I wonder who actually made the decision and what those who actually wore it feel about the change?

Peter4447

I suspect cost came into it, I emailed the Band re the badge manufacturer but no reply. As you say shame as the busby was impessive. Kevin

RAF Band badge
 

Hi Kevin this is the badge you,re after have as yet not seen the bloke who might get me another one for you! typical! will PM you but may not see him till next week which means he won,t be around!

Just an update on the Busby having now had a reply from the Bandmaster of the Central Band.
These have definately been retired. Although they were tried in the early days of RAF Bands, the current feeling is that the Busby is not seen as having very strong links the RAF, being more of a Army item, hence the return to a ceremonial peaked cap.
In addition the moderrn Busbys were regarded as being uncomfortable to wear, they tended to fall apart very easily and the last ones they obtained had to be made in China and cost a small fortune.
Having said all that the Bandmaster did end by saying it is possible that the Busby may yet make a return at some unspecified time in the future.
Peter4447

Angle Iron

There is one on ebay at the moment with a "buy it now" option.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROYAL-AIR-...item3a709216b8