Odd Coloured Para Wing Base Material
 

Hi,
Looking for any thoughts on this older Canadian Jump Wing.
It has what appears to be a bluish/green melton cloth base. It looks similar to the type 8 wing referenced in "Jump Wings" by Ken Joyce (page 20).
Thanks in advance

Attachment 238055

Attachment 238056

Hi,

Might be Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, their facing colour is French Grey. On my monitor that what it looks like to me. Hopefully someone with better insight will answer.

Clay

Certainly looks like a Type 8. The wings were made with various coloured backgrounds and I don't believe you can attribute a wing to a Unit by the background colour.

I stand to be corrected on the above but it's a nice wing either way.

Paul

Another Possibility?
 

I'm not current on my wings, but w the bluish colour, maybe something SAR jump suit. It's the first I've seen. The backing also might give something re dating it.
Thanks for the feedback!! Paul

Hi

Could it be a faded green colour perhaps?

regards
Darrell

I think Clay is correct. It's shown on plate 56 in Bragg and Turner.

Cheers,
Dan

Thanks Dan
 

Hi Dan, Not my wing, checking for a buddy.
Buddy has the link to this thread, so he may need to track down the ref.
Does Plate 56 say much?
Thanks'
Paul

The wing is Fig. 785 on Plate 56. The accompanying text states "Fig 785. illustrates the pattern thought to have been worn by the PPCLI in their parachute role in the fifties."

I'm going to check Lou Grimshaw's reference work next to see what he has to say about it. He may be able to confirm it as PPCLI. Bragg and Turner is a bit dated at 1979. I'll let you know what I find.

Cheers,
Dan.

Louis Grimshaw is a Great Source
 

Thanks Dan,
I'll see how you make out.
Never thought of checking w Lou, he would likely know.
Regards
Paul

Canadian Jump Wings
 

Badge # 785 from Plate 56 of the first edition of Bragg & Turner is actually a drawing of an English manufactured Canadian wing, identified by Ken Joyce as the Type 6 Canadian para wing. These were produced in 1944 in England as a private purchase badge, and while not allowed, there is photographic evidence that troops of 1 Can Para wore them on walking out dress and the Dennison smocks. The backing colour of the cloth was lighter than the official dark green backing of other Canadian types, and the badges are found with minor variations. They have been reproduced in the past.

These badges have also been described as "SOE wings". Certain Canadian members of SOE did purchase this wing for wear on their uniform upon return to England in 1944. However, it was not produced for them, it just happened to be handy.

The wing in the opening post does conform to a Type 8 wing as shown in Joyce's two books, "Into The Maelstrom" and "Jump Wings". As for the different backing material, I can only speculate that it was done unofficially, as the pattern for the Canadian para qual had been set officially in 1942.

Ian

Additional Info
 

Ian, appreciate the insight, thank you.
I just spoke w Lou Grimshaw, to get his thoughts.
He is aware of the wing, has one in his collection.
Although it is referred to as a "PPCLI" wing, he does not believe it actually is.
He dates it early to 50's, and has never seen it in actual wear. Little else could be added.

In my past life as the G4 Supply w the SSF/2 CMBG I procured a number of items including the then new 2 CMBG Brigade patch. As Grant Emblem discussed with me, there are no shortage of small qty badges that are often pre production, and in small qtys.
This may well be one, as it is not seen in large numbers.

Nice badge all the same, but likely not a Second War example.

Thanks to all.
Paul

Green wing
 

Here is a wing I just picked up, very dark green background, white chute, oyster wings. The pathfinder badge is for comparison for the black background. Black cheesecloth backing.

Mike