Rating Aircrew Non-Substantive Badges Post July 1944

[FL517]

AFO 4024 dated 27th July 1944 set out the revised system of non-substantive badges for wear by Rating Aircrew (copy of AFO attached). If I've understood it correctly, the existing non-substantive badges worn by Rating Observers & TAG's (based around the aeroplane silhouette) were rendered obsolete & ordered to be removed. For TAG's, they were replaced by a series of individual crowns & stars added to the existing TAG flying badge / wings.

The AFO suggests that existing 1st & 2nd Class TAG's would be issued with a quantity of crowns & stars (as appropriate), to be sewn above the flying badge / wings. The wings would be moved to the right arm. There's no mention of revised badges, just additional badges being issued to "upgrade" existing badges.

Does anyone know the extent to which this AFO was implemented and does anyone have any images of these revised TAG wings in use before the trade was abolished?

[nbroadarrowz]

Hi,
This is a very good example of why the badge pattern numbers are important to know, understand and associate with the badge design.
To me this AFO shows that (during WW2) although a new trade or reorganisation of a trade happen, new badges were not necessarily made. With some new trades only red and blue badges were officially introduced while gold badge for these trades were private purchased.

Sorry I don't have photos of the badges in question.
Barry

[FL517]

Thanks for the reply Barry. I've seen this AFO referenced in a number of books, but have found no surviving examples or photographic evidence of the resulting insignia in use. I'm sure they're out there somewhere, I'll just have to keep looking!

Rich

[Nichollg]

Here is an a photo of a Telegraphist Air Gunner 2nd Class in my collection.
I do note it is bullion, whereas the AFO only mentions Red and blue versions

[Nichollg]

Here is a couple of photos from the Smithsonian website

[Nichollg]

here is couple of other photos I have, nothing very helpful sorry

[FL517]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help. It's particularly nice to see exactly where the star was positioned on the TAG 2nd Class badge.

Rich