Question on Airforce Insignia

Could someone tell me what the round badge is on the left shoulder of this airman represents?

http://www.156squadron.com/display_gill.asp


Regards

Robin www.156Squadron.com

 

That is a Boy Apprentice Badge (made of brass). However, he is wearing it wrong. The props should normally be pointing to 2, 4, 8 and 10 o'clock.

 

Thanks Amrit.

But leads me to the next question. What is/was a Boy Apprentiice.

REgards

Robin

 

Boy Apprentices were literally boys (15 upwards) who joined the RAF to learn a technical trade. These courses were 3 years, and after graduating they joined the RAF proper, and most became ground crew. However, many did become aircrew, and even pilots. There are many famous WW2 pilots (both fighter and bomber) who had initially started as Boy Apprentices.

With the rumours of war, the training was cut to a year and a half.

You may find this interesting:

http://www.rafcaa.org.uk/history.html

 

Amrit,

Thanks for the additional info

Regards

Robin