United Kingdom. A Pair of Second World War Royal Air Force Observer and Navigator Wing Badges

A pair of Second World War embroidered Royal Air Force aircrew qualification wing badges, each measuring approximately 84 mm in length, constructed in gold thread embroidery on black cloth backing, the first badge representing the Observer qualification wing composed of a stylized wing extending from a circular centre executed in yellow embroidery with black thread edging forming the feather detail and the circular centre similarly embroidered in yellow thread with open roundel-style centre, the second badge representing the Navigator qualification wing consisting of an extended wing with a central circular medallion bearing the letter “N” within a laurel wreath executed in gold embroidery, both badges mounted on black cloth backing and fitted on the reverse with period brass pinback fittings, the mounts evidently applied by the original owner to allow the badges to be worn as personal lapel pins rather than as sewn uniform insignia, the embroidery displaying light wear consistent with wartime use and subsequent private conversion.

Footnote: During the Second World War the Royal Air Force employed several specialized aircrew qualification badges identifying the role of the wearer. Cloth embroidered wings such as these were normally sewn above the left breast pocket of the uniform, although it was common for returning servicemen to later convert their original insignia into pinback badges so they could be worn on civilian clothing as commemorative pieces.