RCAF Wings

[fearnaught]

Hi, could you tell me what are the time frames of these wings? thanks in advance Mike

[David Tremain]

Mike, funny you should ask this. Yesterday I just picked up a copy of Warren Carroll's "Wings. Canada & Great Britain 1913 - 1945" (published in 1981) for $20. Looking at the top one, I can't find any RCAF wings that have the gold wire and red and green colours in the crown illustrated in the book; there is an RFC one like it though. The lower one appears to be WW2, c.1941 onwards, with the burlap backing which I have seen on other RCAF and RAF wings and half wings. So, I don't know about the first one. Could be possibly late Thirties. That's my best guess. David

[fearnaught]

Hi David, I'd looked through Carrolls book and couldn't really place them, hence the question. Thanks though for your opinion, Mike

[RCAF_Mike]

The top one looks british made, probably mid to late 30's, bottom one is a good wartime pattern

[fearnaught]

Hi Mike, thanks for that, nice to know when they were worn, Mike

[SAS1]

I'd agree with Mike on the second, although I think the top one is probably earlier. Although Warren Carroll claims many black backed wings were worn on the full dress mid to late 1930s, examples worn on uniforms of that period seem to almost exclusively be on a blue/grey backing. Those earlier, earlier to mid 1920s, seem to be seen more frequently on a black backing for the full dress.

[RCAF_Mike]

Originally Posted by SAS1

I'd agree with Mike on the second, although I think the top one is probably earlier. Although Warren Carroll claims many black backed wings were worn on the full dress mid to late 1930s, examples worn on uniforms of that period seem to almost exclusively be on a blue/grey backing. Those earlier, earlier to mid 1920s, seem to be seen more frequently on a black backing for the full dress.

Indeed to a certain extent what you say is true.....however remember the RCAF came into existance in 1924.......most pilots were wearing RAF issues to begin with. The mid/late 20's issue of RCAF wire wings I'd expect to see a straigh across motto, not with the superimposed "C." This wing still to me seems 30's made by a british tailor.