Royal Australian Air Force Pilot, Queen's Crown

Despite the death of King George V1 in 1952, Australia, unlike most commonwealth countries, did not make a rapid switch to the Queen's crown on its aviation insignia by 1953 despite the accession of Queen Elizabeth in 1952. It is understood that the crown on insignia was finally changed to the "Queen's" crown by 1956 in time for a Royal visit.




Click on the images to see a larger version and the back of the wing/badge, if available








#1* 1956 early issue
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    August 25th 2004
    Anon
    sewn




    This is a representative example of an early 1956 Australian made issue wing

#1 1960's standard issue
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    August 25th 2004
    John Macdonald
    sewn




    This is a representative example of a standard 1960's Australian made issue wing

#2 Crown variant
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    August 25th 2004
    Windrum Collection
    sewn




    Note the crown variations between this unit and #1, as well as the thin and darker wreath.

#3 1970's less crown detail variant
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    August 25th 2004
    Lt Col Sid Wright USAF (ret.)
    sewn




    This variant has very little crown detail and the thin wreath is a very vivid blue.

#4 A padded version, posibly UK made
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    August 25th 2004
    Windrum Collection
    sewn




    Note the very pale wreath and variation in form. This wing was probably made in the UK

#5 1990 standard issue
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    August 25th 2004
    Chris Langley
    sewn




    This is the standard woven issue when the air force uniforms returned to the dark blue stock from the light blue stock in use in the 1980's.

#6 2000 standard issue
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    August 25th 2004
    Chris Langley
    sewn




    This is the standard sewn issue worn on the working dress uniform style used in 2000. There is a noticable decay in the quality of the wing, the sewn edge on a very thin cloth, supporting a scant embroidery.

#7 Metal badge
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    August 25th 2004
    John Macdonald
    pin




    This is the early metal version of the pilot wing. Note the flat features of the lettering compared to the relief detailing of the lettering on #8. These wings are found in both pin back and twin clutch variations, and in metal and sterling silver.

#8 Metal badge 1990's
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    August 25th 2004
    John Macdonald
    pin




    This is the 1990's metal version of the pilot wing. Note the flat features of the lettering on #7 are replaced by recessed detail. These wings are found in both pin back and twin clutch variations, and in metal and sterling silver.