WW2 Army Parachutist wings

[David Layne]

Easier to do it this way.

From "Parachute Badges and Insignia of the World" by R.J. Bragg & Roy Turner, Blanford Press the listings under Great Britain.

[ceve5478]

If he is wearing it "a la" SOE it could mean that he was seconded from his unit to the Special Operations Executive, set up under Churchills orders to "Set Europe Ablaze."  Their job was to land in occupied Europe and gather intelligence as well as directing resistance cells and sabotage.

[mmm45]

Yes my first thoughts were SOE but think he was attached to Indian Airborne in ww2 I think they originally wore  wings on chest. but havent confirmed it Have mislaid photo at moment...more research needed

Thanks
Ady

[ceve5478]

mmm45, I've looked into this a bit more, it seems he could of been part of Force 136 in SE Asia.  This was the codename given to the SOE in that theatre between 41 - 45.  Do you have a picture of the medal ribbons as they may also give a clue as to his area of service?

[mmm45]

Hi and thanks for your interest I will post the photo once Ive relocated it its been sucked into the vortex of a room clearout!!

Ady

[mmm45]

Sorry that the Far East link was a mistake he was definately in NW europe.
Heres the photo definately para wings on chest and im sure that is a pegasus on his arm.Its circa 1945 as they have campaign medals.

Ady

[ScouseBoy]

All I would say, if there is still the question of why the wings are on the wrong side of his uniform,  is that it may  be that because he was getting married  he may have got good quality material for the uniform and asked a tailor to make up the uniform  "made to measure"       The civilian tailor may have  sewn the wings on the wrong side in error.   My dad   asked a tailor to  make a special uniform up for him when he got married on 23rd June 1940.  His army issue kit  was in a sorry state having been evacuated from France just the previous week.

[ceve5478]

I'd guess we're back to the possible SOE link?

[scrimnet]

Sorry...Been away...

have seen this particular badge set up before, and am trying to remember where...wait out