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Last updated on 24 July, 2023 at 10:54 AM

84th Entry

Malcolm C. Hobart in his book Badges and Uniforms of the Royal Air Force says:

Telecommunications

The first 'trade' badge to be authorised in the Royal Air Force was on the 19th September 1918 (AMO 1066), that of Wireless Operator. This order states that the badge will be worn below the bird badge (eagle) on both arms by qualified wireless operators and would be supplied in red worsted embroidery. The design continues from this time, where today it is worn on the No l uniform by all qualified ground crew below the rank of Warrant Officer, who are employed in the radio engineering ground trades.

Centrally, a right fist clutching six lightning flashes in light blue silk on a black or D/blue oblong patch. Printed version, off white on black patch.

Dick Barrett says on the third page of his ‘Oral History’ piece that it was worn to indicate that Signals trades could approach an officer directly without having to go through an NCO. You can read Dick’s piece here.

The Sparks Badge