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Radio Observer's Flying Badge, Service Dress, 1941 Pattern

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, 79/U/1709

First issued in 1941, the Radio Operator (air) or Radio Observer’s Flying Badge, was worn by aircrew who operated the brand-new Radio Detection equipment being fitted to aircraft. This would soon be known by its American term of Radar.

Image pending

Dining Chair, German Air Force 1933-1945

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, X003-8531

It’s not unusual for occupation forces to utilize their previous foe’s equipment. In the case of this Luftwaffe dining chair, that use would stretch for roughly 50 years.

Image pending

Air Quartermaster’s Flying Badge, Service Dress, 1962 Pattern

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, 68/U/434

Both air and ground crew were employed in transport and passenger aircraft to supervise passengers and secure loads. In 1962 these roles were formally recognised becoming the Aircrew position of Air Quartermaster.

Image pending

Air Gunner's Flying Badge, Service Dress, 1939 Pattern

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, 84/U/680

In 1939 Air Gunners became the first aircrew trade to receive a new style of flying badge. This single winged brevet mirrored the style of the earlier Observer’s badge.

Image pending

Meteorological Observer's Flying Badge, Service Dress, 1945 Pattern

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, 83/U/1357

Meteorological Air Observers had been carried in Coastal Command aircraft from 1943 but it took two years before they were issued with their own Flying Badge under Air Ministry Order A 409/45.

Image pending

Engineer's Flying Badge, Service Dress, 1942 Pattern

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, 82/U/687

In 1942, the aircrew position of Engineer was introduced. Their role was to monitor the engine and fuel systems while aiding the pilot in their flying duties.

Image pending

Navigator's Flying Badge, Service Dress, 1942 Pattern

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, X004-5220

During 1942, the role of the Observer was abolished being replaced by the separate roles of Navigator and Bomb Aimer, (also known as Air Bomber) each with their distinct flying badge.

Image pending

Indicator Unit, Type 6 (10QB/5) Air to Surface Vessel Radar Mk I

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, 75/R/930

In 1940, Air to Surface Vessel (ASV) Radar became one of the earliest operational, radio direction finding devices fitted to an aircraft. This indicator unit was the first model used with this type of Radar.

Image pending

Observer's Flying Badge, Service Dress, 1938 Pattern

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, 1987/0727/U

First introduced to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915 the Observer’s Badge was worn by aircrew who were not pilots but undertook a range of flying duties.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Helen Wheatley, 10 December 2025

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-9919

Helen Wheatley worked as a civilian engineer and project manager on a number of projects in support of the procurement and development of aircraft and other equipment for the RAF.

Image pending