Propeller(?) Badge for ID

[3dg]

On formation of the RFC in 1912, do you think maybe they drafted engineering minded people in from various Regiments, so before the issue of RFC badges and insignia, they wore their own, and that the propeller was worn to signify that he was RFC?
Just a thought.

[manchesters]

No, that didnt happen.

And in any case the photo is stated to be after 1916

regards

[Luke H]

Absolutely fascinating thread everyone, been watching it develop with great intrigue.

Zooming in on the insignia in question, perhaps it’s my eyes or the photo, but does it appear to anyone else there may possibly be a gap at 3 o’clock and a vertical downstroke below the gap?

Could it be a ‘G’?

Just a thought,

Luke

[3dg]

Originally Posted by manchesters

No, that didnt happen.

And in any case the photo is stated to be after 1916

regards

Thank you, I didn't know that didn't happen, and forgot about date!!
A chap on the GW forum says he's wearing a Canadian style jacket?

It's a real bead scratcher!!

[3dg]

Originally Posted by Luke H

Absolutely fascinating thread everyone, been watching it develop with great intrigue.

Zooming in on the insignia in question, perhaps it’s my eyes or the photo, but does it appear to anyone else there may possibly be a gap at 3 o’clock and a vertical downstroke below the gap?

Could it be a ‘G’?

Just a thought,

Luke

Yes, I kind of see a G, I think you're right

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by manchesters

Interesting photo.

I think you are all distracted by the shape and assuming its a propellor and therefore RFC, which I dont think it is.

He is clearly a 7th London soldier and not in the RFC and therefore wouldnt wear a RFC rank badge on his arm, breast or anywhere else.

He would have an RFC uniform and badges if he was in the RFC.

It must be something else that we havent deduced yet.

Still thinking.

regards

I know in the case of officers (c. 1916 at least) volunteering for the RFC only meant being seconded for a while with no requirement to leave their regiments. I wonder if there might have been a similar practice in place for O/Rs at that time also, who might have possessed particular skills useful to the expanding branch?

That’s not to say the propeller badge here is unquestionably RFC, of course, though it was not unknown for RFC badges to be worn on non-RFC uniforms.

http://media.iwm.org.uk/ciim5/386/800/large_000000.jpg

JT

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by Jelly Terror

I know in the case of officers (c. 1916 at least) volunteering for the RFC only meant being seconded for a while with no requirement to leave their regiments. I wonder if there might have been a similar practice in place for O/Rs at that time also, who might have possessed particular skills useful to the expanding branch?

That’s not to say the propeller badge here is unquestionably RFC, of course, though it was not unknown for RFC badges to be worn on non-RFC uniforms.

http://media.iwm.org.uk/ciim5/386/800/large_000000.jpg

JT

Again, No it wasnt practice.

The wearing of Pilots wings on Army Uniform is accepted practice and authorised as such, but has no bearing on other ranks in army uniform wearing RFC rank badges.

regards

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by manchesters

Again, No it wasnt practice.

The wearing of Pilots wings on Army Uniform is accepted practice and authorised as such, but has no bearing on other ranks in army uniform wearing RFC rank badges.

regards

Gotcha. Thanks.

It’s a real teaser this one.

[3dg]

Zoom in from picture from the GW forum.
I don't think it's a 'G' now, just a standard propeller.
Real head scratcher!!