Women's Division RCAF

[Bill A]

Did the Women's Division RCAF wear rank badges that were a different size than the RCAF nco's during the war?

[SAS1]

Rank badges were identical to mens RCAF. Their shoulder eagles were trimmed to shape though.

[Bill A]

Thanks. The ones I have are much smaller than reg. (I think.)
Do you have the overall width of either corporal or sergeants chevrons?

[edstorey]

Bill, this image may help you out.

[SAS1]

Interesting photo. The RCAF WD were distinct in having trimmed shoulder eagles. This is the first photo I've seen of a WiD with normal eagles.

Bill, if they are particularly small they might be RAF Apprentice/Boy Entrant.

[Bill A]

Images attached. A bit of a mystery, as they are directly out of the estate of a WD RCAF veteran. And they are significantly smaller than the standard SWW nco chevrons.

[SAS1]

Certainly the right size for RAF Apprentices. I've seen stripes of differing sizes, but can't seem to find a stock regulation size. Is she was a particularly small lass she might have trimmed them down?

[Bill A]

No, these don't appear to have been modified in any way. There were two sets of the blue and one set, same size of khaki cpl chevrons. All the same size.

[edstorey]

Bill; perhaps the smaller ones are British manufacture. Here is another wartime image.

[Bill A]

Those chevrons are huge.

[edstorey]

Here is another wartime image.

[ddaydodger]

Not sure what you mean by trimmed eagles?

[ddaydodger]

Originally Posted by Bill A

Images attached. A bit of a mystery, as they are directly out of the estate of a WD RCAF veteran. And they are significantly smaller than the standard SWW nco chevrons.

I have a set of those as well, both Cpl, and Sgt. I got mine from an exchange cadet from the Air Training Corps in the 70s. I think they are post war, RAF.

[Bill A]

Hi Bruce, the ones in the image are not even close to the type in your image. They are the type with two pieces of chevrons, the chevron tape is the gray/blue material sewn separately to a black backing material. The ones I imaged are the SWW pattern which was phased out shortly after the war. The estate where these came from had the cut down eagle shoulder badges SAS1 noted, both the white/silver embroidered and red embroidered pattern.
I did a bit more digging, and I think I found answer. The WD RCAF were issued a light weight cotton garment for summer wear, and they had armlets for wear on the garment. These may be the rank used on that garment.

[edstorey]

Here is another wartime image, this one from 1944.