Very unusual wing: FANY attributed

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Guys, I was shown this wing recently. It was from the estate of a former FANY. She had given it the attribution of it being made in Burma in 1945. However, some other items in the group were incorrectly labeled, such as the very early ATS rank insignia being dated as 1964.

The wings themselves are a very pale blue, the pic being a little washed out.

Anyone seen one of these before?

Cheers, Ade.

[Adrian Stevenson]

These chevrons were also with the group. About three quarters of the size of a conventional Sgt's stripe.

The optional private purchase FANY lanyard can just be seen on the left.

Cheers, Ade.

[seebee1]

Unusual Wing : FANY

From memory Ade I believe this is a little known Wing made for FANY's who were attached to the SAS. I do not recall if this was at the end of the war or post-war. What I do know is that it is very rare and valuable. I have only seen one other, in a private collection, and the owner rated it very highly. Not sure if I can find out any more about this, but will try. A superb piece All the best, Clive.

[SHEARING-CROSS]

Hiya ADE , the book by JAMES G SHORT on the sas part of the uniforms illustrated set ( bit like osprey) shows an example of your badge , cant remember the text exact but as clive states i think it says FANYS working in signals attached to 21 sas ? either way it a very rare lump of cloth ,thanks for showing ,Michael.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Thanks Michael. I only wish it was mine.

Cheers, Ade.

[seebee1]

Vey Unusual Wing : FANY Attributed

Further to my earlier reply Ade I have learned the following : This FANY Wing was a 1960's creation. A Parachute Regiment Officer, with SF experience was posted as adjutant to 21. As it happened his wife was in FANY and she joined the small attached section. The FANY team wanted to experience parachuting so this was arranged. After this a badge was produced, supposedly by the Royal School of Needlework. Although there were only a few (six?) para trained, it is thought that a maximum of twelve badges were produced. It seems there are two variations. One has seven rigging lines on the parachute while the other one, known of outside of Regimental control, has five. I think this is probably all there is to know about this very rare Wing Ade. All the best, Clive.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Very interesting Clive. Many thanks

Cheers, Ade.