RAF Leading Aircraftman titles

[elwe23]

Hi all,

I'm looking for information about the RAF Leading Aircraftman titles.
I found a good photo of all variations there.
I would like to know which version was worn during WW2.
Also which version do you think it is in those two photos ?
Thanks in advance.

[David191]

The short of it is the LAC badges with grey backing are all post WW2. WW2 badges had a black backing. I can't say much for most of these, as I cannot see them up close or their reverse, but many look post WW2 to me. Have a good look through ALL the LAC badge listings on Historic Flying Clothing Company for examples of wartime badges (the search feature is hidden at the top right). The site owner is a straight shooter & WW2 LAC badges are still commonly available. Familiarise yourself with the construction of the woven & printed types seen. They were issued in red on Khaki Drill colour for the tropical uniform & the blue on black for the winter uniform.

Best regards,
David

[elwe23]

Originally Posted by David191

The short of it is the LAC badges with grey backing are all post WW2. WW2 badges had a black backing. I can't say much for most of these, as I cannot see them up close or their reverse, but many look post WW2 to me. Have a good look through ALL the LAC badge listings on Historic Flying Clothing Company for examples of wartime badges (the search feature is hidden at the top right). The site owner is a straight shooter & WW2 LAC badges are still commonly available. Familiarise yourself with the construction of the woven & printed types seen. They were issued in red on Khaki Drill colour for the tropical uniform & the blue on black for the winter uniform.

Best regards,
David

Thanks David I didn't know this website. I had a quick look on there only 3 results, two blue on black that looks WW2 and one tropical. But they don't say in the description or title if they are WW2.
I'm looking for the winter uniform as seen in my photos.
I saw there were a printed version and embroidered like most titles. But don't know anything concerning RAF titles for reverse details.

I attached the ones that are available and stated WW2 on internet at the moment.

[David191]

You have chosen wisely. All three examples are WW2 period badges to my mind & the manufacturing techniques did not alter that much with the various other WW2 RAF badges made during WW2 also, as far as I know.
Out of the three you have posted photos of, the first LAC example with the white backing & the last example you have shown are earlier war badges & the printed (economy) badges seem to have be worn late war & worn post WW2 also.
The last LAC badge shown with the distinctive curve shape to the top edge of the backing, seems to be a very commonly seen pattern of LAC badge in WW2 RAF period photos & may be the one seen in your original tunic photograph posted?

Best regards,
David

[elwe23]

Originally Posted by David191

You have chosen wisely. All three examples are WW2 period badges to my mind & the manufacturing techniques did not alter that much with the various other WW2 RAF badges made during WW2 also, as far as I know.
Out of the three you have posted photos of, the first LAC example with the white backing & the last example you have shown are earlier war badges & the printed (economy) badges seem to have be worn late war & worn post WW2 also.
The last LAC badge shown with the distinctive curve shape to the top edge of the backing, seems to be a very commonly seen pattern of LAC badge in WW2 RAF period photos & may be the one seen in your original tunic photograph posted?

Best regards,
David

Thanks David. I'm looking for a mid war (normandy) example so better stay away from the printed version.
Here are two others photos where we can see the LAC title. Unfortunately the resolution of the photo can't get better.

[wardog]

What is meant by Winter uniform? Was there a different LAC badge for the greatcoat, or by Winter uniform do we just mean usual service dress or battledress, temperate uniform? Regards, Paul. PS if looking to represent the LAC pictured you may need a good conduct badge.

[David191]

Originally Posted by wardog

What is meant by Winter uniform? Was there a different LAC badge for the greatcoat, or by Winter uniform do we just mean usual service dress or battledress, temperate uniform? Regards, Paul. PS if looking to represent the LAC pictured you may need a good conduct badge.

Sorry, bit of my Australian RAAF uniform collecting nomenclature creeping in there. By the term winter uniform, I am referring to the standard RAF blue/grey uniform which was probably worn all year round in the UK but we wore a lot more Khaki Drill in Australia & as such have a summer & winter uniform. Come to think of it & a little off topic, but did the RAF ever wear Khaki Drill within the UK during WW2?

Best regards,
David

[elwe23]

Here are more variations.

[elwe23]

Found a photo issued in 1945 of both titles in printed version worn.