Australian Army Aviation Corps hat badge - current issue

[slick_mick]

Australian Army Aviation Corps (AAAvn) hat badge - current issue.

[lettman]

Mick (or anyone in the know),
Has this badge evolved over time, or varied according to the manufacturer, or has it always remained exactly the same? I ask because in Cossum's book on badges, part 3 1948-1985, the AAAC badge is listed as finished in brass, anodised and nickel-plated. When was it introduced, and did it look the same during the Vietnam War?
Thanks for any advice.

[Chrisr]

Lettman,

I have never seen the badge in brass, only nickel plated and anodised, and it has alway been the same design. The Corps was formed in 1968 but I am not sure when the badge was introduced.

Cheers
Chris

[slick_mick]

As far as I know it's always been a chrome or nickel plated badge - I think it was probably introduced in the late 1960s or early 1970s. The AAAvn was only formed on 1st July, 1968.

Cossum in some of his books mentions variations which I (and many other long time collectors) have never heard of.

So in this case a brass version may exist, but I've never heard or seen one.

Mick

[lettman]

Thanks for the info, guys -- much appreciated. I didn't believe the brass reference, either, but I had to make sure. Just to clarify: were there any other subtle differences between what might have been worn in Vietnam and the one worn now?

[slick_mick]

You'll find that the 161 Recce Flight aviators wore their own corps badges initially in Vietnam - RAA, RAASC etc.

I believe the AAAvn badge was worn in Vietnam.

Mick

[lettman]

Ah, OK -- that puts a different slant on things. I wonder when the pale blue beret with the dark blue badge backing was adopted, then?

[slick_mick]

I think the pale blue beret was worn from the late 1960s.

Mick

[Chrisr]

Lettman,

Having been flown around the province and beyond on VR's by 161 Recce Flt in 1969, and drinking in their mess which was always a great night, I think they wore the powder blue beret then but I can't recall which badge they wore. Sorry I can't be more specific.

Cheers
Chris

[lettman]

That's a great piece of evidence anyway, Chris -- many thanks!