SAS Wings

[johanwiegman]

Friends,

See attached picture I want to share of the "sealed pattern" 1944 parachute wings (received from Robert Miles).

It has the same pattern number, but is markedly different from the 1946 sealed pattern. Indeed, it looks almost modern.

Robert made the following note:

"However the 1944 dated sealed pattern (as sold by Bosley's) has a wing attached that I have never seen as a WWII wing (1950's perhaps) - there appear to be a number of hand amendments to the pattern and would therefore suggest that perhaps the wing has also been "updated" - after all, one SAS wing is just the same as another.."

That sounds logical as the pattern shown is really modern. Maybe "sealed patterns" are not as "sealed" as it sounds.

Does anybody have another picture of the (original) 1944 sealed pattern so we can compare it?

best regards,

Johan

[HamandJam]

Johan, see link of Belgian SAS which shows also a1944 pattern wing as worn by all ranks during ww2 as wel as a 1945 captains BD with the 1944 wing Cheers JB http://www.be4046.eu/SAS1.htm.

[HamandJam]

I have also a slightly different 1944 pattern with slightly less upswept wings and a beige backing, also slightly different details eg a little not below the parachute. It looks older and may be predates the other one? Peter Taylor also has this wing in his book. A similar wing was also sold by Regimentals last year with a grouping to likely ww2 Belgian SAS and included also a 1944 SAS beret.

Cheers,

JB

[pembrokshireboy]

Hi Peter,i look forward to your book coming out.Have you ever contacted No1 PTS at Brize Norton for information as i know that some RAF PJIs helped start the Rhodesian PTS and No1 PTS Museum does have Info on this?

[rhodesianmilitaria]

I have sent you an email so as not to try and detour the thread.

[rhodesianmilitaria]

Originally Posted by rhodesianmilitaria

Marco you must have lost my email address

I hope you don't mind me changing your photo. As you know my small amount of expertise is relevant mainly to Rhodesian para wings.

Attachment 45369

1. English para wing but I can't tell you what era.
2. English para wing but I can't tell you what era.
3. Rhodesian made and issued approx. 1963-1970 then replaced with the wing on tartan green (Padded).
4. Rhodesian made and issued WWII. Very rare (Padded).
5. English made bullion wing issued to approx the first RhSAS that were para trained when the RhSAS were reformed and para trained in late 1961 (Padded).
6. English para wing but I can't tell you what era.
7. RhSAS Officer's mess dress para wing 1970-1980 (Flat).

I am going to correct this because I shouldn't have written that (a mistake on my part ). No 4 para wing was not made in Rhodesia. I believe it was made in England.

[gollmarc]

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated.

Very interesting thread.