Erinnerungsfliegerabz.

[François SAEZ]

Here is an old "subject" we have: we have NEVER (to my knowledge) seen an original picture of this very expensive (today) badge worn.

In order to keep and increase the knowledge of everybody, could someone reminds here what are the particular conditions to win and wear this badge ...............

Posting attribution docs could also help

[jacques]

No rush to answer your question François , may be it's bed time on the other side .

According to Angolia "For führer and Fatherland", this badge was instituted on 26 March 1936. Destinated to all LW personnel discharged from flying duties. WWI flyers were qualified after only 4 years on flying status. Others after a total of 15 years. However the badge could be awarded for a shorter period of service providing the recipient became an invalid as a result of an air-associated accident.

jacques

[jacques]

Ok, let's go ! I open the fire !

Here is the only pic I know showing this badge worn. Due to the youth of the guy, I suppose he was disabled after an air-crash accident, and released of flying duties.

[Jos L C]

That's a super rare picture ..!!

First time I see a retired pilot wearing his badge..
60 years to find a picture..,never say never again !

It's very nice..

Yes,the guy must've crashed etc.. ,also silver or gold woundbadge ,severely injured and retired based on that..

In 1944 a new rule said that it was no longer allowed to wear these badges on tunics,Flightblouses etc.. and that pilots,gunners,observers etc had to wear their former badge again..

So,no late war pics with this badge.. ...,kidding,finding only one pic in all those years almost seemed impossible..

Well,maybe it's a good start ...
We like to see a second pic now,open your albums ...!!..

Jos.

[Simon O.]

Looks like he's wearing a Spanish WB too.

[Gene]

He's also got an EK2 ribbon so he had to have done something brave during the war to deserve it, so just when he was awarded his retired pilot's badge is an interesting question!

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

Just saw the link Jos posted in the badges forum to this thread. Jacques - WOW, what a photo!

Can't add much. I can state that the official Verkaufsabteilung der Luftwaffe Preislifte Nr. 12 (1 March 1941) had these badges available for 4,50 RM (and the civil form for 1,25 RM)

Regards
Mike K

[Philippe DB]

I also followed Jos's link, and couldn't believe my eyes. Thanks for sharing this picture with us Jacques

KR
Philippe

[Simon O.]

How about wounded during the Polish campaign, quite severely, hence silver or gold WB and an EKII for his troubles, his wounds preventing him returning to flying duty?

[Tim Calvert]

This is one of the most important photos to be seen in a long time.

How long have you had this Jacques? Is it part of a group?

Thanks for sharing!

[Hans N]

Wow, that shure is a rare photo. May i ask where did you obtain this photo Jaques?

[Mike H]

Retired Pilot

Jacques,

Thanks very much for this photo -- probably the "find of the century" for Luftwaffe collectors. I am delighted this has surfaced.

I know there has always been speculation as to why these are not found in photos even though everyone knows the badge existed. As can be determined from the posts above, there was a "range" of years it could be worn that was limited.

But I also think you have to go to the psychology of the military pilot. I served in the US Air Force and reserves for 20 years as a pilot and I can tell you one thing for certain -- your pilot wings are the most valuable insignia on your uniform and is valued way above awards and ribbons. In fact, most USAF pilots do not even wear their ribbons on their day-to-day uniforms -- this is left to other non-aircrew folks.

I think this feeling was present in the German pilot as well. Look at the photos you see of Galland. He almost always wore his pilot's badge above the EK1. Same with Goering in many photos. These men valued their military pilot qualification more than anything.

So I believe there would be a tendency to continue wearing the normal pilot's badge -- and not the "retired" one -- even though you were no longer on active flying status. What young military pilot would want to be thought of as "retired". Leave that to the old WWI guys! Thus, the badge was probably seldom, if ever worn and the lack of period photos of it in wear. Just my opinion, of course, but I think I understand the mentality.

In any event, thank you, Jacques!

Mike

[jacques]

This is one of the most important photos to be seen in a long time.

How long have you had this Jacques? Is it part of a group?

Thanks for sharing!

just got it 2 weeks ago, but can't cite my source . At least I'm happy that you appreciate it

[stogieman]

Thanks Jaques!

Merçi Mille Fois mon Ami! Great find, great photo and thanks for sharing it here. Now, if your source can produce a Luftwaffe Tank Badge on a uniform.... that will be very interesting as well!

The one thing I note of the picture is that it looks like a badge with no "leg cut-outs"... I wish there was some way to ID the time/year of the picture better... does anybody recognize the face? Can he be matched to any unit rosters from the late '30's, early 40's??

Magnificent find and again, a very big thanks!

[mmiller]

I dunno. The way Francois asks this innocent little question. And Jacques is waiting patiently on the side lines! Good show, you two!!!

But in all honesty, how refreshing to see something new like the Retired 'badge in wear'. If that young (retired) Pilot only knew how famous he'd be, some 60+ years down the road......on the W-A-F!

Great find, Jacques, and thanks to your silent source.

Mark