Question about the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Titles

[Richard D]

Hello all,

Enclosed, you will find a photo showing two members of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion attached to the British 3rd Paratrooper Brigade.

Can someone tell me why some have the title "AIRBORNE" under the Pegasus shoulder flash and other don't?

Thanks,

Rick

[Bond]

The Airborne arm of service strip was introduced in October 42 and removed from service in November 1944 though many were worn after this date. I assume the use of the Wings, Pegasus and the various shoulder titles made the Airborne strip irrelevant.

You sometimes see troops with both Airborne title and Airborne strip, though the strip was intended only for wear by non parachute or glider troops.

"The “Airborne strip” was an official wartime badge to be worn by operational airborne troops who were not parachutists in order to distinguish them from rear echelon personnel. The strips were worn on both upper arms of battledress, below the formation sign. Authorization for the badge was contained in ACI 2816 of 31 October 1942"