RAF uniform and badges

[anml]

Hello.
Any info about the badges and insignia on my dads RAF cap and uniform would be much appreciated.

[leigh kitchen]

Looks like "standard" Cap & arm insignia (Kings crown cap badge") but the collar insignia baffles me - not hard when it comes to the RAF.
It looks like the collar has a cloth patch similar to the Polish pennon shaped insignia, with metal or light coloured cloth applied.
Could be a flaw in the photo rather than a collar patch.
I think the cap badge might be RCAF.

[leigh kitchen]

I'm wrong about the collar patch, it is a flaw in the photo running across chest and collar.

[wardog]

Could he have been a driver? He has a battledress blouse which was mid war I think and only a couple of trades using service dress caps at that time- have you any pictures showing aircrew insignia or rank badges? Regards, Paul.

[anml]

Hello and thanks Paul. Yes, he was a driver. Sadly I have no other pictures.
Here's some info, hopefully not too much!
His service record shows his rank as "AC2" and trade as "D.Pet" in 1939, later an "AC1".
1940-45 he was a "LAC" in the "DMT" trade. In 1947 he was a "T/Cpl, later a "Cpl" (corporal I assume) in the "DMT". A "Cpl MTD" in 1951.
There's also "Recommended for training as Observer" in 1941.
And "Reselected by A.C.R.B. for A/G in 1944".
Thanks for your interest, regards Andrew.

[cga00]

AC2 = Aircraftsman, Second Class (raw recruit)
AC1 = Aircraftsman, First Class (the lowest useful rank after initial training)
LAC = Leading Aircraftsman
Cpl = Corporal - T/Cpl (I think) is Temporary, ie. before he was a substansive rank.
D.Pet = Driver Petrol
DMT = Driver Mechanical (or Mechanised?) Transport
MTD = MT Driver - which is the abbreviation still used today
A/G = I think is Air Gunner - no idea what A.C.R.B is - Air Craft Recruitment Board??
Regards, Craig

[anml]

Thanks very much Craig.
I know very little about my dad, he died when I was 2. Any info is a bonus.
Now going to see if I can get his missing medals via the MOD. The GSM Malaya, and the France - Germany Star look interesting!

[leigh kitchen]

I believe that MOD no longer provide the WWII stars etc, they just advise you to buy replacements / repros.

[SAS1]

The 'D.Pet' (Driver Petrol) was to distinguish from a then just about obsolete trade 'Driver Steam'!

A.C.R.B. is, if I remember right, 'Air Crew Review Board'

[cga00]

Originally Posted by anml

Thanks very much Craig.
I know very little about my dad, he died when I was 2. Any info is a bonus.
Now going to see if I can get his missing medals via the MOD. The GSM Malaya, and the France - Germany Star look interesting!

You should be able to buy an original France/Germany star for under £20. You may as well go for an original as they were issued unnamed, so it will be exactly the same as yr dads. The GSM would have had his name & number engraved around the edge.
You should be able to get hold of his service record via the raf though if you are his next of kin.
Craig

[anml]

Originally Posted by cga00

You should be able to buy an original France/Germany star for under £20. You may as well go for an original as they were issued unnamed, so it will be exactly the same as yr dads. The GSM would have had his name & number engraved around the edge.
You should be able to get hold of his service record via the raf though if you are his next of kin.
Craig

Thanks Craig. I got dads RAF service record a while ago and found out about his medals through them. His name and number on the GSM is interesting.
I see there are many medals for sale on ebay.
This forum has been very helpful, thanks everyone!