WW2 British Royal Air Force Pathfinders Officers Badge

For sale is a WW2 British Royal Air Force Pathfinders Officers Badge. 

 In the Second World War, the Path Finder Force was the RAF’s only officially delineated elite force. As such, it had a unique emblem of an eagle badge. The badge was worn on the left-hand-side breast pocket of the RAF uniform, under any decorations.

The Pathfinder eagle was awarded on a temporary basis, generally after six to eight successful operations, but its award was discretionary and dependent on the recommendation of the Squadron Commander. Like all Pathfinder awards, including medals, it had to be sanctioned by the Air Officer Commanding of the Pathfinders, Donald Bennett, and his signature is always on the relevant documents.

The award became permanent only on completion of a full tour of operations, some of which might not have been flown with the Pathfinders as crews sometimes transferred in part of the way through their Main Force tours. The standard Pathfinder tour was forty-five operations. When the award became permanent, a signed certificate was given to the recipient.

These will be sent via royal maker 1st class signed for and dispatched within 2 working days.