Identify this RAF insignia
 

Excuse my ignorance on what is perhaps an easy question and a common badge, but what exactly is this?

http://www.ww2wings.com/wings/britai...rowngold.shtml

It is not an FS cap badge (or is it?), as I have never seen them on an actual hat or in period photos...

Can anyone help me out here with my curiosity?

Olivier

Somewhere I have seen it described as being worn by civilians while driving RAF officers (presumably those of Air Rank), but I can't remember where. It may well be on this Forum somewhere.

David

First pattern RAF officers cap badge circa 1919, short lived, very very rare and very widely reproduced.

I wondered whether you might nail it, Phil. So was it ever used as a driver's badge?

David

When I was at Scampton in '84 our driver used to wear an eagle on his cap. I never asked for a closer look but I'm guessing it was the standard A/A oficers 'chip bag' badge.

I don't know, to be honest. As CGA00 has said, later they wore the standard side cap eagle and crown.

I will see if I can find the original thread on these badges.

Phil

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and thanks Phil for clearing this up and for the url, very interesting reading. An original badge must be quite an addition to the collection.

RAF Insignia
 

Hello one and all,

Has anyone got any evidence or contemporary reference of this badge being authorised by the Air Ministry, or photographs of it being worn?

I have never seen anything to date to say it was worn by RAF Officers in the early years.

Best Wishes

I agree. In 30 years Ive never seen any reference to this badge being worn, regs, photos or anything else. I have seen examples with wear, but whether that's come from it being worn as something like a sweethearts, or just a collector polishing it is anyones guess.