Pilot Wings on khaki background - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

davidwyke · #1 09-08-12, 10:57 AM

A few years ago I came across these RAF Pilot wings (KC) which are on a khaki cloth background.
I know very little about RAF uniforms and insignia but I assumed that they were probably worn by army personnel who had qualified as RAF Pilots. This may be the case but in photo's I've seen of such personnel they seem to be wearing the standard RAF Pilot wings with a black background.
The RFC wore khaki uniforms and I believe some early RAF uniforms (cl918-1920) were khaki but as far as I know RFC/RAF Pilot wings have always had a black background. Obviously the RFC wings would have that monogram in the centre.
Can anyone suggest who might have worn these?

SAS1 · #2 09-08-12, 12:59 PM

These were intended for Army personnel, Home Guard and Army Cadet officers who had qualified to wear them at some point. My old cadet CO wore them into the 80s having been a pilot during the war.

Some officers wore their original issue wings as preference or simply to save themselves the trouble and cost of buying a new set.

Luc · #3 09-08-12, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAS1

Army personnel

So these were worn before the army fying badge was introduced (1942)?

fougasse1940 · #4 09-08-12, 08:51 PM

Hi Luc, I think these are a different kettle of fish altogether, meant for ex-RAF re-enlisted in the army. The army flying wing was for army personnel serving in a flying capacity within the army.

Rgds,

Thomas.

SAS1 · #5 09-08-12, 11:17 PM

Thomas has it spot on. Two different badges for two different qualifications.

Mike_2817 · #6 10-08-12, 07:51 PM

Army personnel who have qualified in flying categorires in the Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arm or the Royal Air Force may wear appropraite badges on left breast in No 1, 2, 3 or 6 dress. (Not provided at public exspense)

davidwyke · #7 12-08-12, 02:37 PM

Hi SAS1 and everyone else, many thanks for the info - now I know!

badgeman · #8 18-08-12, 08:01 PM

Hi All,
What about the Air Observation Post?

54Bty · #9 18-08-12, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgeman

Hi All,
What about the Air Observation Post?

What about it?

badgeman · #10 23-08-12, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54Bty

What about it?

Just thought I would throw it in!, they were a small unit which no-one seems to think about, dont what them being forgotten thats all!

SAS1 · #11 23-08-12, 12:38 PM

AOP Pilots were all drawn from the Royal Artillery, with Groundcrews a mixture of RA and RAF, although the Squadrons came under the Air Ministry.

The Army Flying Wing (often referred to incorrectly as the 'Glider Pilot' Wing) was worn. Just post war, something ike 1947, the AOP wing was authorised, which featured a 'flaming grenade' in gold, with a pair of blue wings.