AG half wing. RNZAF?

[Dominique]

Hello,
Thoughts welcome, once again.
Thank you,
Dominique

[RCAF_Mike]

Tough call, as the RNZAF wore standard RAF brevets unless they were issued theirs in Canada. I'd classify it as a theatre made RAF Air Gunner, and a nice one at that!

[Dominique]

Many thanks Mike.
Any idea about the country of manufacture?
Best regards,
Dominique

[Nichollg]

This is a New Zealand made WW2 Air Gunner brevet. Worn by New Zealanders serving in the RNZAF at home and in the Pacific.
Very nice original item, mate
These are the two I have in my collection. They have same paper backing as yours.
I have photos of all the items in my collection on a website if you are interested. Here is a link to the RNZAF wings and brevets. Have them dated in time period to.
http://militarywings.weebly.com/rnzaf.html

Cheers Gareth

[Nichollg]

Originally Posted by RCAF_Mike

Tough call, as the RNZAF wore standard RAF brevets unless they were issued theirs in Canada. I'd classify it as a theatre made RAF Air Gunner, and a nice one at that!

Those serving in the RNZAF at home and in the Pacific, were often fully trained in New Zealand and were issued with New Zealand made wings & brevets.
Standard RAF brevets (and Canada issue) were only worn by RNZAF personnel who completed there training overseas and/or served in the RAF.
From 1944 RNZAF aircrew serving in the pacific were also issued with metal brevets for wear on the shirt as cloths wings tended to break down to quick in the weather.
See the attached photos of New Zealand made wings and brevet
Cheers
Gareth

New Zealand, Australia & United Kingdom military aircrew wings, brevets and flying badge collector

[RCAF_Mike]

Good Stuff Gareth! It's good to learn this bit of info. I've seen these patterns before and figured they were theatre made RAF pieces. In a way they are, but it's certainly nice to know their origin!

[Dominique]

but it's certainly nice to know their origin!

Sure! I do agree with Mike. Thank you so much Gareth for your expertise.
Best regards,
Dominique

[wanganui]

The tissue paper backing sometimes bears a manufacturers stamp so check your badge in strong light. Occasionally the paper backing is no more than newspaper, my E badge now sold carried an obituary from 1953!!

[Dominique]

Hello,
Thank you for the tip.
The wing has been carefully checked. Alas, no stamp, no date, no nothing...
Regards,
Dominique

[SAS1]

Newspaper backing only seems to occur on NZ made badges but is fairly common on them. I have aircrew and cadet badges, and shoulder eagles with it.