Unknown Metal Eagle

[LizzzyH]

I found this metal eagle in my late grandmothers belongings, and, as a keen RAF cadet, I am assuming it is either RAF or RNAS. I had a great grandfather who served in the RNAS and subsequently the RAF during WW1. He was not an officer in the service and did not serve overseas (he painted the aircraft). Have so far been told 2 different things, firstly:

"The eagle badge was worn by members of No 8 (Path Finder Force) Group, RAF Bomber Command which was reformed in the UK in January 1943. The badge was worn on the tunic exclusively by members of the Group. No 8 Group was initially created as a training unit (8 Group Training) when the RFC and RNAS merged on 1 April, 1918 to form the new Royal Air Force"

and secondly:

"A gilt eagle badge was worn by RNAS officers on their khaki Overseas Service Dress, above the left breast pocket. I accept that your man was neither an officer, nor served overseas, but this was a standard WW1 RNAS badge"

I did have other relatives who served in WW1 and WW2 but they all served in the Army, so don't believe it comes from any of them.

The fixings on the back of the badge seem to be relevant here? This one has 1 screw missing. All the badges I have seen which are similar to this have a pin as the fixing rather than screws.

Any help would be much appreciated!

LizzzyH

[Bill A]

Hi LizzyH, welcome to the Forum. Your account is active and open for posts.

[dragon166]

I think this is part of a RAF officers FS cap badge = missing the crown. If it was a RNAS eagle it would have three fixing pillars not two. As for it being a pathfinder eagle it would only have applied during WWII.
Dave

[LizzzyH]

Thanks Dave,

Initially, I'd dismissed it as a cap badge because I couldn't see any with the same fixings at the back but I will continue searching. So far have not located a crown to go with (but small things like that can easily be lost). Be interesting if it is an officers cap badge as when my great grandfather went into the RAF he was given the rank of private and stayed as one till he left in 1919.

I have nothing definitive to say it is from WWI or belonged to my Great Grandfather. If it is from a later date, it's likely it was given to one of my relatives instead.

Thanks
LizzzyH

[Paul S]

Hi Lizzy, for your interest. here's what the complete badge looks like. Cheers Paul.
20210116_153825.jpg

20210116_153957.jpg