RCAF Aerobatic team patches circa 1960

[zorgon]

The Golden Hawks were formed in 1959 and celebrated anniversaries of Powered flight and the RCAF. Aircraft flown at this time were Sabre 5’s. The first group of pilots were McCombe, Rozdeba, Kerr, Annis, Price, Stewart and Holt under the lead pilot, Fern Villeneuve and their shoulder patch, designed by F/L Ken Roberts, is quite rare and highly prized by collectors. It shows a group of hawks diving to the 8:00 o'clock position (attached 1).
In 1960, a new patch design for the Golden Hawks was introduced. This 2nd issue of this patch consisted of a blue felt circle over a white felt base over which was superimposed the stylized hawk’s head diving in the 4:00 o'clock position. The hawk extended beyond the circular image. I believe it was used for a year at which point it was complimented with a 3rd issue in 1961. You can find a mixture of the 2nd and 3rd issue of the patches on jackets, uniforms and tech’s coveralls during the period 1961-64. The 2nd issue patch is usually (but not always) back-stamped with the manufacturer, “Dominion Regalia” a Toronto based company, and measures 5 3/8” at the maximum diameter in an unwashed patch. I have one example of this version that is without the hawk’s mouth – probably a manufacturing slip-up. In the 3rd issue of this era, the hawk was reduced in size to fit within the outer, circular stitched patch. One can occasionally come across another smaller “Golden Hawks” patch of simplified design in red and white on a yellow felt base that was used on squadron (baseball) caps. The Hawks were officially disbanded on Feb 7th, 1964.
Another demonstration aircraft existed contemporary to the Golden Hawks. The Red Knight started out in 1958 as with F/L Roy Windover flying a solo T-33 #21057 painted in bright red. I am fortunate enough to own a few patches from the period of the Red Knight and ‘64, ‘67 and ‘69 are illustrated here. The 1964 issue of the patch was entirely done in chenille whereas by ’67, only the plume was done in that manner. If anyone would care to sell me the years missing here, I would be most grateful! The program was cancelled in 1969 amidst controversy after the 3rd pilot died flying the Red Knight in that decade.
I would refer the reader to Dan Dempsey’s excellent, high quality book, “A Tradition of Excellence” for detail on Canada’s military aerobatic aircraft history. Larry Milberry also has a great deal of information in his publications on the RCAF.
As always, corrections or comments about dates, design, etc. would be appreciated.