Leather RAF button

[fearnaught]

Hi, I've always assumed this button was WRAF 1918-19 can any one confirm or say what it is? thanks in advance, Mike

[Insignia]

Mike,

They were the original type of "Buttons, leather RAF" introduced in 1918 as part of the first RAF Airman's Khaki uniform. It was noted by means of an Air Ministry Order in May of 1922 that the shanks were breaking away from the button and that in future they were to be replaced by gilding metal ones when the stock of leather ones had been exhausted.

Hylton

www.britairforce.com

[fearnaught]

Hi, thanks for such a quick reply Mike

[wardog]

Very impressive site you have and I often link to it when Airforce questions come up. Can you date the various Observer badges that one comes accross or give any tips on sorting good wing brevets from fake? Regards, Paul.

[Unknownsoldier]

Is this button not Naval Air Service as denoted by the twisted rope edging?

Tom

[Insignia]

Although the style of design of the of the roped edge button was a carry over from the Royal Naval Air Service no evidence has surfaced to date that indicates that the RNAS made use of leather buttons, whilst they are clearly cited for use on the first pattern Royal Air Force Airman’s uniform.

They are not seen that often, no doubt due to them being short lived as a uniform item and by virtue of the fact they were known to fall part.

Hylton

[Insignia]

Hello Paul,

Coming back to your question regarding wings and brevets I can’t say I have the magic formula for sorting the wheat from the chaff or precisely dating them. I’m a great believer in studying contemporary photographs and scouring through books and other publications such as Flight and Cross & Cockade for images of wings being worn. It’s interesting that a number of completely erroneous half wings have started to appear on the likes of eBay over the last couple of years for things such as Helicopter Crew and Nose Gunner. Occasionally it’s worth buying a few repos just to keep up with how they are being constructed and refer to in later years. Properly the best guide to dating wings is Eagles Recalled by Warren Carroll; it really is a great reference source.

Thank you for the comment about the site, which is in need of an update. I’ve quite a number of images to add from other contributors.

Hylton

www.britairforce.com

[royston]

Early RAF. The RAF used both RN and Army "bits of uniform" until they sorted out their organization. The roped edge was soon ditched. An identical button was on Bosley's Bizwyze site in 2004. See attachment. As stated,The button is similar to the General service buttons produced in the same period for the Army. Note Bosley's estimate in 2004.