Leading Air Mechanic but what is the actual F?

[High Wood]

Despite searching on the internet and through various books I cannot find any information regarding this badge which has the letter F below the propeller.

Other versions of this trade badge have the following letters beneath the propeller:

A: Airframes, E: Engines, L: Electrical & O: Ordnance.

Any information gratefully received.

[Phil2M]

Fitter

[mike_vee]

According to Royal Museums Greenwich :

Arm badge, Naval Airman Skilled Air Mechanic Fitter

https://collections.rmg.co.uk/collec...cts/76650.html

.

[High Wood]

Thank you both, F for Fitter seems to fit perfectly but I am now wondering if it was not used during WW2 as it doesn't appear in this rather useful guide.

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/ro...ings_trade.htm

[Guzzman]

Evening all!

Firstly, I wouldn't put too much faith in what the National Maritime Museum says! They often list items as 'unidentified' that even the newest badge or button collector can identify ... However, this time they ARE right!

Secondly, the badge is: -
Skilled Air Mechanic, 3rd class (Fitter) 1948-49
Naval Airman (Skilled Air Mechanic, Fitter) 1949-56

So not a wartime issue badge as it wasn't issued until 1948.

Pete

[High Wood]

Pete.

than you for your comprehensive answer. The dates that you have given clearly explain why Guido Rosignoli doesn't mention the badge in his book Badges and Insignia of World War II Air Force - Naval - Marine.

I had thought that the printed badges were a wartime economy measure but, if they were, their use was clearly continued after the war for newly introduced badges.

Simon.

[Guzzman]

Simon,

Blue printed badges were designed for use with 'workwear' - overalls, work shirts, etc. They remained in use until the 1990s.

Pete

[High Wood]

Royal Naval badges are a whole new area for me, thank you for sharing your knowledge, it is appreciated.