FAA trade patches what and when?

[sb98]

I have these two patches and I'm hoping someone could date them and tell me what they stand for (aircraft engineer?).

Thanks,
Tim

[Tony Farrell]

Oh man, these bloody navy trade badges do my head in! Erm... I think the one on the right is Air Mechanic (Engines). The one on the left? Buggered if I know. Sorry ol' fruit, best I can do. Rest assured, it won't be long before one of the navy-heads gets to grips with it. Is there any logic to these badges?

[Garth Thompson]

The one on the right is ,as Tony says, Aircraft Mechanic (engines) CPO and PO.

The one on the left is Acting Rating Observer but I've not seen one with SE under the aircraft .
Garth

[yellow]

That S.E. certainly has me stumped too!

E does normally denote an Engineer. Perhaps some sort of flight engineer? but having said Stoker is a trade in the FAA too but that wouldnt explain the aircraft.

I have a complete list of FAA ranks and not one of them provides a clue at what this trade may be. It is very much influenced by the technology of the day. So frequently were the trades changed.

Both look to be WW2 examples, value is no more than a miserable fiver each! You can buy a navy divers badge just like my avatar for the same money

Its easy to date those aircraft badges.....they were introduced in 1935.......an aircraft with swept wings was used after 1939.

I do remember the Royal Navy producing a poster in the 1980's with all of these badges featured. Perhaps you will find your answer in the Fleet Air Arm Museum shop?

In the mean time have a butchers as this:

http://www.mpmuseum.org/rcnrank2.html

Steve.

[Jim Maclean]

S.E. is Safety Equipment, I believe it's still current, though with Queens Crown

[yellow]

Top reply Jim!
If I`m not mistaken the standard Royal Navy badge is a parachute?

Steve.

[sb98]

Thanks to everyone who replied .

"Sorry ol' fruit" - Tony, what are you implying!?!? I'm not that old .


Tim

[Jim Maclean]

Top reply Jim!
If I`m not mistaken the standard Royal Navy badge is a parachute?

Steve.

I'm not sure I fully understand the question, if you're referring to Safety Equipment branch of the FAA then I think the badge illustrated is the only one worn by that trade with it's combination of stars and crown, which by the way are not necessarily indicative of the substantive rank of the wearer. It is incorrect to assume that a crown above the device is worn by a Petty Officer, though it is normal.

Parchute badges in the R.N. follow the form of the Army, i.e. full wings and the 'light bulb'. During my time in the R.N. full wings were worn by all personnel that had completed the requisite number of qualifying jumps, but not necessarily 'P' Coy. Members of the Army seeking the excitement of a life at sea and joining the R.N. that were qualified also wore their wings (left cuff). The 'light bulb' I believe is worn by members of the 'Submarine Parachute Assistance Group', formerly known as 'Subsmash PAG'. Water jumps only, which I believe are the only ones allowed from military aircraft without qualification.

Love to see one of those 'swept wing' aircraft badges, they've definitely been using straight wings in the 50s and beyond.

[yellow]

My source is Guido Rosignoli on the swept wings. Who has been collecting badges since 1953. See page 175 (para 5) of his book regarding non-substantive badges.

I think the term "swept" is a little exaggerated but I`m just quoting the expert. Would you say the wings on the badge above are perfectly horizontal? I wouldnt.

The parachute tomb stone to which I refer is not the Subsunk Parachute Assistance Group introduced in 1980.....but does look a lot like it. This badge was an early one worn in the 20's - early 30's before parachute qualifications were available. I`ll try my best to dig out the source.

Steve.

[Jim Maclean]

Ah, Guido Rosiwhatever the not so well respected authority on Brit badges.

Evidence of a sealed pattern could sway me as to whether the swept wing badge ever existed. It certainly wasn't in use in my time.