Paras badges

[GeorgeLesnik]

Hello,

Can anybody tell me what badges this chap has on his uniform?

It's a picture of my girlfriend's grandfather and neither her, nor her mother know, but they're keen to understand more.

Appreciate any help! Thanks in advance!

[Bill A]

Hello George, welcome to the Forum. Your account is active and open for posts.

[3battalion]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Great photo.

The soldier (Officer) is a member of the Parachute Regiment.

The insignia on his sleeve is includes his parachute wing, Pegasus Airborne Forces formation sign and also a Special Allied Airborne Reconnaissance Force (SAARF) Formation sign.

Paul

[Mike B]

The Special Allied Airborne Reconnaissance Force wing (bottom of upper arm) is a rare item. From memory the symbolism is a force coming from the air (parachutists) to relieve prisoners of war and slave labour (arrow point striking chain). I think it was formed in Match or April 1945 and only conducted one airborne mission.
Hope this helps
Mike

[mike_vee]

Excellent article about The Special Allied Airborne Reconnaissance Force by Les Hughes on Insigne website.

http://www.insigne.org/SAARF-I.htm

[GeorgeLesnik]

Another pic of him in different uniform - although I am not sure if there is anything especially critical to see here?

Thanks

[Hawthorn]

Mike,

Indeed an excellent and interesting article relating to a Unit I have not encountered before, thanks for taking the time to post it. The photograph at the top of this thread must, therefore, be extremely rare.

Simon.

[GeorgeLesnik]

Thanks, gents. Very clear and interesting articles on SAARF. He seems like something deserving respect.