Hi
Until a few years ago I could have helped you out here as we had an old friend who had a GQ badge and an Irwin badge, having qualified for the GQ badge bailing out of a Wellington over the UK on a training flight when the aircraft developed engine trouble.
The plane later landed but at least Ivan got to practise for his subsequent bail out of a Short Stirling (149 Sqn) that was on fire after being hit by a night fighter over Belgium piloted by Walter Ehle (his rank escapes me for the moment).
That qualified him for the Caterpillar Club!
A collector's story, but he and his wife had no children and he had always said that he would leave his medals, log book and two badge to me.
Ah no, his odd brother ended up with them....
So a long story but I would have been more than happy to oblige!
You probably know this, but the badge was made by J R Gaunt and was hallmarked too.
I do have one of those red/ black enamel GQ badges that seem to be fairly plentiful and they are clearly made on the same die.
What was their true purpose as I have read so many "tall tales" about them?
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