Radio Operator

[pfrost]

Again, Gary's awsome uniforms that the recently posted made me want to scan this picture. This is an interesting photo of a RCAF RO. He is wearing glasses, but has an RO wing. I think he also has a DFC and a Canadian Ops wing. You guys will have to help me out with the rest of his awards.

I think this may be a post war portrait.

P. Frost

[pfrost]

close up of wings and ribbon bar. It looks like the last one has a palm leaf on it? Maybe the French Croix de Guerre?

P. Frost

[Marc Sherriff]

The last item is the OAK LEAF emblem for mentioned in despatches, it is placed directly on the coat when it is awarded without a coresponding medal.

[Tod Rathbone]

ribbons

Hi,

That is a great picture Patrick. First I have seen with an RO depicted. The ribbons are British DFC, 39-45 star and Canadian Service Medal which has a maple leaf device on it. I would think that the picture is during the war as he has no war, defense or other post war issue medals.

Tod

[ChrisB]

Nice photo. Correct me if I am wrong but it looks like he is also wearing a pathfinders eagle under his pocket flap? Certainly looks like it to me. Might be interesting to see if ya can find him. Do you have a name for this chap? This is a good site to check if you do:

http://www.airforce.ca/index2.php3?page=wwii

Cheers
Chris

[Mike Swan]

Most interesting photo. First time for me too seeing a "RO" brevet in wear. Wouldn't mind getting my hands on that tunic!!
The small gilt winged "O" is indeed a RCAF Operational Wing. I'm lucky to own one. It has two slender screw posts, a separate back plate and is marked BIRKS STERLING. The Pathfinder Badge was normally worn on the left pocket flap above the button.
The photo could be immediate post-war. My dad, a RAAF radar operator at Bougainville, didn't receive his War Medal and Australian Service Medal until around 1949-50.

Best wishes for 2006 from Melbourne, Australia.

Mike

[Tony Farrell]

The Radio Observer's brevet is a seldom seen badge - possibly due to the nature of the RO's work. They were predominantly H2S operators, but also crewed nightfighters. This was probably taken just before or after the war's end.

[Marc Sherriff]

It is possible that the picture was taken in late 1943 as the ribbon to the 1939-1943 Star (later 1939-1945 Star) could be worn on confirmation of the star being granted (the actual star was not issued until well after the end of the war, as was the Africa Star). Of course it depends on when the Canadian Service Medal was issued.