Original British WWI Royal Flying Corps Pilots’ Wings and “RFC” Cap Badge – (2) Items Original Items

Original Items: Only One Grouping Available. This is a wonderful pair of items for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the predecessor of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the air arm of the British Army before and during the First World War until it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 April 1918 to form the Royal Air Force. During the early part of the war, the RFC supported the British Army by artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance. This work gradually led RFC pilots into aerial battles with German pilots and later in the war included the strafing of enemy infantry and emplacements, the bombing of German military airfields and later the strategic bombing of German industrial and transport facilities.

The original Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Pilot’s Wings (or Pilot’s brevet) was designed by senior officers General Sir Frederick Sykes and General Sir David Henderson. The Wings were given Royal approval by King George V in February 1913 under Army Order 40/13.

The Wings became the symbol of qualification worn by trained pilots. The design of the flying badge was the first of its kind in the world. It has been used as the basis of pilot’s badges for the air forces of many countries.

Badge Description: Royal Flying Corps gold wire pilots wings on black felt; “RFC” in center of badge surrounded by wreath; Tudor crown over “RFC.”

Both items are in fantastic shape and the only real “issues” are tarnishing and age toning, aside from these small factors these are really nice badges.

A lovely set ready for further research and display.