SAAF cap badge backing

[Ocad]

Hi everyone,

Could someone help me to understand the significance of a blue backing panel worn behind the SAAF cap badge?

Does the imply WAAF? or Other Rank? or Service only in the Union?
Any thoughts appreciated,
Olivier

[Milmed]

Hi Olivier,
The only blue backing to a SAAF badges I am aware of is the post republic (i.e. post 1961) senior officers cap badges, though there were post WWII UDF senior officer bullion badges with a blue cloth backing.

Is the badge a WWII SAAF badge or Modern SAAF badge?
Would you be able to post a picture, so we can more clearly see the backing you refer to?

Steven

[Ocad]

Hi Steven,

Thanks for your thoughts and sorry I should have mentioned it is on a WW2 era badge. I have only seen this on the collar of a full dress jacket. This is the only photo I have at the moment.

[Milmed]

Hi Olivier,
This is a first for me. It may be something the original owner did and not official. The blue cloth appears the same as the patch of blue felt used to produce the SAAF helmet flash, so this may be the source of the backing. The SAAF guys during WWII tended to wear whatever they were comfartable in. My own uncle, a SAAf R/O wore civvy courdroy trousers up north.

Steven

[Brian Conyngham]

I have read numerous write-ups where the Brits were horrified at the dress of the South Africans. We have all seen pictures of our chaps "up-north" where many variations of uniform can be seen, both in the army and the SAAF.

Brian

[SAS1]

I have read somewhere that the orange flash was for those who volunteered for service outside SA, and light blue for those who opted to only serve within. If so it might be some sort of continuation of that.