1947 Pattern Flying Wings
dragon166
Maybe uniform was in such turmoil between 1947 and 1950 that people got away with wearing just about anything?
I did hear about another issue like this when 2-wing flying badges were being looked at for all RAF Aircrew around 1942(ish). Apparently, sets were made up and sent to all of the worldwide Flying Training Schools, but one in Canada jumped the gun and started issuing them on graduation! A picture of one of the Nav badges is below. Obviously, it was never taken forward and the 1939 single-wing badge was retained. I also understand that it took the best part of a year for the 2-wing badges to be all rounded up by SWOs various - and even then the odd cheeky chap carried on wearing it stating it was the one that had been awarded.
Maybe uniform was in such turmoil between 1947 and 1950 that people got away with wearing just about anything?
I did hear about another issue like this when 2-wing flying badges were being looked at for all RAF Aircrew around 1942(ish). Apparently, sets were made up and sent to all of the worldwide Flying Training Schools, but one in Canada jumped the gun and started issuing them on graduation! A picture of one of the Nav badges is below. Obviously, it was never taken forward and the 1939 single-wing badge was retained. I also understand that it took the best part of a year for the 2-wing badges to be all rounded up by SWOs various - and even then the odd cheeky chap carried on wearing it stating it was the one that had been awarded.
There is an excellent book, now out of print, called “Eagles recalled” that is all about RAF flying badges. I got mine on ebay for about £25 but they can go for up to £60!
There is also more detail on the 2-wing badges here:
RAF/RCAF - The Double Wing Debat
Here is an RAF Air Gunner with the same 2-wing type badge:
There is also more detail on the 2-wing badges here:
RAF/RCAF - The Double Wing Debat
Here is an RAF Air Gunner with the same 2-wing type badge:
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The flying badge worn by the O/C at #5 is not the same shape as that worn by Sir Frank at #7 or the S/L at #9. Are we sure that our subject really is wearing the gilt 1947 pattern?
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From what I have seen, the 1947 pattern badges mainly means that they were made from bullion. The actual shapes and even the background colour varies according to manufacturer. I have in my collection blue/grey backgrounds and black and some even have silver bullion wings. The photo at #5 is quite clearly a bullion version and not the drab silk of pre and post 47 patterns. The prescribed version was supposed to be a blue/grey background so the badge Sir Frank Whittle is wearing in the picture is the wrong pattern.
