[Padre]

Ahhh, that is an age old question...

Examples of the badge have been on the market for at least 40 years but there has never been any official explanation of what it is. Some examples seen are clearly modern repros, and I have a very new one with bright finish and enamelled 'RAF'. However, you often see examples that clearly have age, are well made and appear to be original badges, generally in brass.

The only known image that has come to light of anyone wearing one of these is a photograph of a WW1 WRAF, Ruth Theaker. She joined the WRAF in early August 1918 after her husband, who had been wounded in the war returned to duty. She served as a storeswoman at RAF Henlow until being discharged in late 1919. It is uncertain as to what it represents, and its never been officially identified as a WRAF or RAF badge, although Ruth is clearly wearing it with her uniform.