saved by parachute badge - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

markinbelfast · #1 31-05-12, 09:19 AM

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW2-GQ-9CT...ht_3029wt_1185

never seen one of these before...but if right then very nice indeed!

SAS1 · #2 31-05-12, 10:05 AM

They are the original type of GQ badge and pretty rare. I've only seen about four in 30 years.

marievictor · #3 31-05-12, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAS1

They are the original type of GQ badge and pretty rare. I've only seen about four in 30 years.

Very nice badge. Initial type were all in gold ? or it is only a commemorative one because he was rescued after a crash

seebee1 · #4 31-05-12, 02:28 PM

Definitely a rare and original GQ Gold Lapel Badge. I believe that when they are engraved, named and dated that this is similar to the Irvin Caterpillar Pin, awarded for the same reason and purpose. I have a GQ Gold Lapel Badge awarded to a follow in the 1960's or 70's, but not sure if Irvin continued with their awards post-WW2. There are other threads on the general GQ Lapel Badge, occasionally worn by early Polish Airborne Troops and others. I even know of one example of the plain GQ Badge being given to and worn by a Female SOE Agent. These are interesting badges, however the Gold version is certainly the scarcest. Regards, Clive.

Silver Tourist · #5 31-05-12, 03:01 PM

Good afternoon.

Now what we really need is for one of our tremendously clever researchers, like Mr Brydon or our Administrator, to investigate the available Records and reveal the fate of Cpl. L Winsper on 9 February 1943. Unusual surname too!

The who, when, where and why behind the item. Given the bidding interest one suspects someone already knows something about the circumstances of the award of this badge.

Share and enjoy.

S.T.

Belly · #6 31-05-12, 03:07 PM

It appears he ran out of luck:
http://www.paradata.org.uk/media/143...ediaItem=19723

Might not be him of course as this chap's a glider rider:
http://www.paradata.org.uk/people/leslie-winsper

Uncanny coincidence if it's not!
Belly

Silver Tourist · #7 06-06-12, 09:15 PM

Good evening.

Run out of luck he may have done, but his badge lived on: to the tune of GBP570.

Phew!

I wonder how long it will be before we see spurious examples?

Enjoy.

ST.