Thoughts on AG wings

[Alex Rice]

Hi All
Are these all good and are some South African made?
Thanks, cheers,
Alex

[Padre]

The first one is a nice WW2 example, the second is a modern reproduction, the third and fourth are both nice WW2 South African made examples, the fifth, bullion is a bit of a mystery. It has a bit of age but I'm not sure of how original it is as I dont know who would have worn it or where. Its not RAF. The last is also a good WW2 South African made example.

[David Tremain]

Could the bullion wing be for mess dress? Although they're usually smaller.
David

[Padre]

Originally Posted by David Tremain

Could the bullion wing be for mess dress? Although they're usually smaller.
David

Its a thought. If small size it could be, but would probably be a theatre made item for the tropical mess dress, as its not of the 'approved' pattern for home mess dress.

[Alex Rice]

Thanks for all the comments. Were AG wings used post-war or did the jet-age make them obsolete?
The bullion wing is full size but as mentioned, definitely has some age. I also wondered about Indian made perhaps?
Cheers,
Alex

[Padre]

AG wings were certainly used post war on aircraft like the Lincoln and Halifax, the Lincoln remaining in serving with the RAF to 1963. There would also be a handful of wartime Air Gunners who remained in RAF service for a number of years after the war.

With regards it being bullion, up to December 1939 the only bullion wings worn were on the full dress and smaller versions on the Mess Dress, with only pilot and observer in use before both uniforms were declared obsolete at the end of 1939. In 1947 the new '47 pattern service dress was introduced, with full sized bullion wings, followed by Mess Dress around the same time with miniature. All were gold/silver bullion on blue/grey. The '47 Pattern uniform and bullion badges were all abolished in 1950. So being Air Gunner it would be post December 1939, and probably post WW2 (as there was no uniform worn officially that had bullion badges during WW2). So, it could have been worn by an officer serving abroad in the late 1940s for example who might have got it produced locally for a service dress.

[Alex Rice]

Thanks for all the additional info!

[Gaznav]

Yes, the 1947 pattern No 1 SD was truly awful - although I rather liked the full-sized golden wing flying badges. But the removal of the lower pockets made it look really odd. Here is Sir Frank Whittle in a 1947 No 1.


Here is the real thing in the RAF Museum:

[nbroadarrowz]

They all look good to me. The second badge looks late war production.
Barry

[blueboy684]

Regarding ex-Air Gunners still in service long after the trade became redundant, my first Station Warrant Officer (WO D Pine) when I was posted to RAF Coltishall in June 1977 wore an AG wing and from memory WWII medal ribbons.