RAF Uniforms/Badges magnificent books

[langleybaston]

These two marvellous books are advised on the British Badge Forum, and are a free download.

A huge work of scholarship.



DO NOT HESITATE!

I quote:


RAF Collectors Guide 2020The final version of my RAF books are now available, free of charge. Anyone who previously requested copies may like to have the latest update. I have written these books as the result of many years of collecting. There are two volumes one of 582 and one of 144 pages of RAF history in badges and emblems. The e-books are available to download here (Large! Not suitable for mobile phones): The link is available for the next 28 days.

https://we.tl/t-qxnHMIlpG4

I know these are trying times for many, and the books are free, but if you download it you may like to consider showing your appreciation for the work I have put into it by making a contribution using PayPal at the address shown in the books

[dragon166]

Download period extended for a further 28 days. Thanks for your kind comments.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/794x1123/raf_main_book_cover_f9946f34e8df100fee80c043439391ea2190980c .png
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/794x1123/appbebook_2020_cover_a21f729f36d15770fd7ae634da46fdef7f43181 0.png

[Tankertrashnav]

A friend recently sent me an article from the journal of the Military Historical Society entitled "Why do RAF Eagles Fly to the Rear?" The article contains the original Air Ministry Weekly Order 931 of 1921, entitled "Eagle Arm Badges - Mode of Wearing". The order is a model of obfuscation, and reads:

1. Badges, arm, embroidered, eagle,are supplied in pairs. The correct method of wearing them on jackets and greatcoats is with the eagle flying away from the wearer: ie with the eagle's head facing to the right and left on the right and left sides respectively of the wearer"

Why didn't they just say "the eagle always faces to the rear" ?

Incidentally the article nails the old confusion about what type of bird it is. It is, and always has been an eagle, but I have often heard it referred to as an albatross, sometimes by serving personnel who ought to have known better

[radar101]

My father used to refer to it as a "****ehawk"

[langleybaston]

as did mine.

[langleybaston]

A friend recently sent me an article from the journal of the Military Historical Society entitled "Why do RAF Eagles Fly to the Rear?" The article contains the original Air Ministry Weekly Order 931 of 1921, entitled "Eagle Arm Badges - Mode of Wearing". The order is a model of obfuscation, and reads:

1. Badges, arm, embroidered, eagle,are supplied in pairs. The correct method of wearing them on jackets and greatcoats is with the eagle flying away from the wearer: ie with the eagle's head facing to the right and left on the right and left sides respectively of the wearer"

Why didn't they just say "the eagle always faces to the rear" ?

Incidentally the article nails the old confusion about what type of bird it is. It is, and always has been an eagle, but I have often heard it referred to as an albatross, sometimes by serving personnel who ought to have known better

I may be well into my second glass, but those instructions have the eagle facing the front: "head facing right on right side"

[SirToppamHat]

I may be well into my second glass, but those instructions have the eagle facing the front: "head facing right on right side"
I must admit I read it like that too, but assumed my interpretation was the result of a long day battering MODNET!

[langleybaston]

I must admit I read it like that too, but assumed my interpretation was the result of a long day battering MODNET!

Thank you. ****ehawks to the front then!

[langleybaston]

Is the problem between the viewer and the viewed?

I certainly would not have retained the author on my staff.

[Tankertrashnav]

The article does clarify the position, with a number of photos showing the eagle correctly facing to the rear. In the early days it seemed to be a matter of choice, with photos of an RNAS artisan and a WRAF (1918-20) wireless mechanic with their eagles facing to the front. I was disappointed when the shoulder eagles were removed from airmen's uniforms in 1973, and was pleased when they were later reinstated.

[dragon166]

Here is a pic of a group who are not certain how to wear it. Two facing backwards, one forward (trimmed as well) and one with no eagles at all.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1220/rafirelandgroupsm_bf3e2529180d265c3fbd35e089d9a81ed08a5626.j pg

[Tankertrashnav]

dragon166 - great photo, I have never seen that one before. Good example of the free for all that existed before the (somewhat confusing) AM Order of 1922 tried to impose some standardisation.

[langleybaston]

dragon166 - great photo, I have never seen that one before. Good example of the free for all that existed before the (somewhat confusing) AM Order of 1922 tried to impose some standardisation.
The AM Order is not confusing. Anyone wearing the bird head to the back is disobeying it.

[Lima Juliet]

dragon166 thanks for posting this. You should get it published as it’s a really good reference document for use in years to come (a bit like Jeff Jefford’s books on the history of Aircrew). Anyway, I have a question if I may?

What are the origins of the RAF colours of dark blue, light blue and maroon. The first I can see of it is on the Wolseley Helmet as a flash. But what are the origins as we use it on ties, scarfs, watch straps and stable belts?


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1500x1500/image_d99692cb2aef6a9902f9641e2d8380021db1ffc4.jpeg

[dragon166]

The colours represent the origins of the service - Dark blue for the Royal Navy, maroon for the Army divided by the blue of the sky. When it first came into use I do not know but it has been around since the 1920s. It can be seen in many pictures of the period. It follows the tradition of such ribbons used by the Regiments of the Army.

[Lima Juliet]

The colours represent the origins of the service - Dark blue for the Royal Navy, maroon for the Army divided by the blue of the sky. When it first came into use I do not know but it has been around since the 1920s. It can be seen in many pictures of the period. It follows the tradition of such ribbons used by the Regiments of the Army.

Thanks, that is another bit of history now in my grey matter. Thanks :ok:

[The B Word]

Surely Navy Blue, Sky Blue and Crimson? :ok:

https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/navy-blue

https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/sky-blue (https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/navy-blue)

https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/crimson_1