A guideline to insignia worn by Czechoslovak RAF personnel on their uniforms during WW2.

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Officers

Upper sleeve rank insignia:

Usually had a curved fabric ‘Czechoslovakia’ brevet worn on both upper shoulder sleeves:

However that was not always the case as these 1942 photos of W/Cmdr František Doležal illustrate:

or P/O Viktor Kašlík, 4th from left, with other 312 Sqn personnel here:

There were numerous variations to this shoulder brevet for both Officers and enlisted men:

Officers :

Stitched, on a blue background.

Stitched on a black background – Air Transport Auxiliary.

Stitched on a blue background.

Stitched on a blue background.

Enlisted men:

Stitched on a blue background.

Printed on a blue background.

White on a black background Left shoulder, Eagle facing backwards.

White on a black background Right shoulder, Eagle facing backwards.

Lower sleeve rank insignia:

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Other Ranks Sleeve Insignia :

Like with their Officer counterparts, there were numerous variations to be seen on Other Ranks uniforms:

Further variations on Other Ranks shoulder badges include :

Czechoslovak recruits from Canada :

Czechoslovak recruits from the USA :

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Aircrew brevet badges

Worn on left breast of uniforms above any medals or medal ribbons.

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Pilots’ Flying Badge (Kings Crown) :

Adopted in 1918 by modifying the Royal Flying Corp [RFC] badge, replacing the letters RFC with RAF.

Wings of drab silk embroidery with monogram ‘RAF’ in centre, surrounded by laurel leaf of brown silk and surmounted by a crown – on dark blue melton cloth.

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Observer:

Originally adopted in 1915 by the Royal Flying Corps [RFC], its use was continued by the RAF until superseded by the Navigators’ and Air Bombers’ badges in 1942

Navigator:

Adopted in April 1942 when the role of Observer was abolished and split into the two new categories of Navigator and Air Bomber.

The letter ‘N’ of drab silk surrounded by a laurel leaf of brown silk with an outspread drab silk wing 21⁄2″ (6.35 cm) long – on dark blue melton cloth.

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Air Signaller:

With the increasing complexities of airborne electronic equipment, the role of wireless operator was finally separated from that of air gunner in 1943. However, it was January 1944 before this new badge was introduced.

The letter ‘S’ of drab silk surrounded by a laurel leaf of brown silk with an outspread drab silk wing 21⁄2″ (6.35 cm) long – on dark blue melton cloth.

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Radio Observer:

Introduced in 1941, the Radio Observer badge (later to become known as Observer Radio badge) was a security name for airborne radar operators.

The letters ‘RO’ of drab silk surrounded by a laurel leaf of brown silk with an outspread drab silk wing 21⁄2″ (6.35 cm) long – on dark blue melton cloth.

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Air Gunner:

Adopted in 1939 when the role of Air Gunner became a full-time aircrew category. Wireless Operators / Air Gunners the Wireless Operators sleeve badge as well as this badge

The letters ‘AG’ of drab silk surrounded by a laurel leaf of brown silk with an outspread drab silk wing 21⁄2″ (6.35 cm) long – on dark blue melton cloth.

Aircrew who were Wireless Operators / Air Gunners wore the Wireless Operators sleeve badge as well as their Air Gunners badge on their upper right arm. This badge was originally introduced in September 1918, but ceased at the end of WW1. Was re-introduced in 1920 and is used to the current day.

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Flight Engineer:

Badge introduced in 1942 following the introduction of four-engined heavy bombers into the RAF which required an additional crew member.

The letter ‘E’ of drab silk surrounded by a laurel leaf of brown silk with an outspread drab silk wing 21⁄2″ (6.35 cm) long – on dark blue melton cloth.

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Lapel badges

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VR

RAF Volunteer Reserve badge

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Medical Branch

Worn by RAF personnel serving in the Medical Branch.

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Chaplain

Worn by RAF Chaplains personnel serving in the Chaplain Branch.

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Dental

Worn by RAF personnel serving in the Dental Branch

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