RAF or RFA

[David B]

The attached pic is of my wifes g/uncle Lieut A E Love. He originally joined the AIF 10th light horse and changed to the RFA in 1916 and

eventually to the RAF in 1918. In the pic he appears to be wearing the uniform of an officer in the RFA but with his RAF observers badge.

Was this normal or would he have been waiting for new uniform etc. Incidentally the medal ribbons are of the QSA and 1914-15 star.

[aglastonbury]

David,

From the cap badge he is an artillary man. However, the wings are that of an observer rather than a pilot. When the 'old guard' finally reailsed the value of aircraft as a military assest, artillary aimer took to the air & used morse code on a wireless unit mouted to planes to transmit instrustions to direct artillary to a target.

Hope thats helps you,

Alex

[FROGSMILE]

The attached pic is of my wifes g/uncle Lieut A E Love. He originally joined the AIF 10th light horse and changed to the RFA in 1916 and

eventually to the RAF in 1918. In the pic he appears to be wearing the uniform of an officer in the RFA but with his RAF observers badge.

Was this normal or would he have been waiting for new uniform etc. Incidentally the medal ribbons are of the QSA and 1914-15 star.

Yes, it is normal, it just means that he is attached to the RFC (RAF after the 1st April 1918) but has either, not applied for, or not yet been accepted for, a full transfer.

Interestingly he is not wearing khaki, but the rather rare open necked version of the Blue Patrols uniform that had an open lapel and was worn with a white shirt and navy tie together with a scarlet banded blue forage cap with patent leather peak.

This short lived style of uniform is no longer used by the Army but has been retained by the Royal Marines.

[David B]

Thanks gents, cleared up what appeared to be an anomaly in badge/uniform useage.