Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
Pilots' Flying Badge (Queen's Crown) |
Introduced in 1952 with the accession of Queen Elizabeth II it was replaced in 2022 with the accession of King Charles III | |
Observers' Flying Badge | Originally adopted in 1915 by the RFC, its use was continued by the RAF until superseded by the Navigators' and Air Bombers' badges in 1942 | |
Air Gunners Badge |
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Adopted in 1923, this badge was worn by ground tradesmen who acted as air gunners in addition to their normal duties. |
RPAS Flying Badge | Introduced in 2013 for pilots of remotely piloted aircraft, but Withdrawn in April 2019 and replaced by standard Pilots' Flying Badge | |
Air Gunner | Adopted in 1939 when the role of Air Gunner became a full-time aircrew category. WOp/AG's wore the Wireless Operators sleeve badge as well as this badge. | |
Navigator | Adopted in April 1942 when the 'trade' of Observer was
abolished and split into the two new categories of Navigator and Air Bomber.
Replaced by WSO badge in April 2003 |
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Air Electronics Officer/Operator | The expanding array of sensory equipment
carried aboard the V-Bombers and Maritime aircraft led to Air Electronics
Officers/Operators being introduced in 1956, replacing most Air Signallers
by 1963.
Replaced by WSO badge in April 2003 |
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Air Loadmaster | The Air Quartermaster was replaced by the Air
Loadmaster in 1970.
Replaced by WSO badge in April 2003 |
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Air Signaller | With the increasing complexities of airborne
electronic equipment, the role of wireless operator was finally separated
from that of air gunner in 1943. However, it was January 1944 before this
new badge was introduced. Replaced by AEOs in 1963 except in
specialist units.
Replaced by WSO badge in April 2003 |
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Radio Observer/Observer Radio | Introduced in 1941 Radio Observer (later changed to Observer Radio) was a security name for airborne radar operators, but was replaced by the 'N' badge in 1942, but it had a brief resurgence in 1956-57 | |
Air Bomber/Bomb Aimer | Adopted in April 1942 when the 'trade' of Observer was abolished and split into the two new categories of Navigator and Air Bomber | |
Air Engineer | Adopted in 1942 with the introduction of the new four-engined heavy bombers. The Air Engineer effectively replaced the second pilot. Training for this 'trade' ended in April 2006. | |
Meteorological Observer | With the increase in Meteorological squadrons in the later part of WW2, there was an increasing need for aircrew specially trained in making the detailed observations needed. This resulted in the introduction of this badge in 1945 | |
Air Quartermaster | The increasing importance of transport led to the creation of this aircrew category in 1962. Responsible for the safe loading and unloading of such aircraft and the supervision of aerial dropping. Cabin crew on board trooping flights were also recategorised as AQMs | |
Fighter Controller | Introduced in 1983 and worn by Fighter
Controllers serving aboard Airborne Early Warning aircraft. Airborne Fighter Controllers were classed as honorary aircrew. Replaced by Airborne Specialist Badge in April 2021. |
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Airborne Technician | With the introduction of the Boeing Sentry AEW
Mk 1 in 1991, there became a need for a qualified electronics technician to
be carried to maintain the mass of electronics systems. Airborne
Technicians are actually ground tradesmen who can return to normal ground
servicing after an airborne tour. Airborne Technicians were classed as honorary aircrew. Replaced by Airborne Specialist Badge in April 2021. |
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Image Analyst | With the introduction of the Sentinel R Mk 1
into No 5 Sqn there became a need for Imagery Analysis's and this flying
badge was introduced. Image Analysts are classed as honorary aircrew. Replaced by Airborne Specialist Badge in April 2021. |
The 'half-wing' badges shown on this page are provided courtesy of RAF Flying Branch & NCA Trade Advisors at the Ministry of Defence
This page was last updated on 25/11/23
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