Objects

Observer's Flying Badge. The badge is made from a piece of black cloth lined (protected) with canvas underneath. Machine embroidery was made on the surface of the cloth using gold-coloured thread. The embroidery depicts the letter "O" (left) and attached to it an outstretched bird's wing with visible feathers (right). The cut of the patch corresponds to the shape of the embroidery. The Observer's Flying Badge was awarded to observers (co-pilots, navigators, air gunners and air support personnel) of the Royal Air Corps (British Air Force) who had undergone appropriate training. The designation was first awarded in 1915 and was used until 1942, when separate badges were introduced for navigators and bombardiers. The badge was based on the two-winged pilot badge introduced in 1913, and the "O" on the badge stands for observer. Before joining the RAF, Henry Rosenthal trained as a gunner. He probably received this badge, which belongs to his collection of memorabilia, after completing one of his training courses in Canada or the USA.

Marta Frączkiewicz