Aircrew Trades, Brevets & Wings?, Information Wanted

[nichollg]

Decided a wee while back to start collecting Wings & Brevets of the Commonwealth, but realized early on in the piece that this could not be done without a listing of Aircrew trades, there introduction dates and disbandment dates, abbreviations and the type of Brevets awarded. This led me naturally to the internet to find the information. This is not an easy task as there is no definitive listing for any of the Military air arms of the commonwealth.
So I ask the collective mind of the forum, from whom all is known (I Hope)

1 What Aircrew trades (& Airborne ground trades for which a brevet was awarded, eg Flight Tech, FT) have existed in the RAAF, RAN and Army post World War 2 (& RNZAF, RAF, Canada, If any one knows)?

2 What Dates did these trades commence and become obsolete?

3 What were the abbreviations used for that trades and letters used in the associated brevet (eg Air Electronic Analyst, AEA, and Brevet AE)?

4 And what styles of Brevet/Wing were issued and dates that different styles of Brevets/Wings became active (Blue Wealth/White, Gold Billion, Metal, Full size/half size and what uniform worn with)?

I know this is a lot to ask? But please help if you can, any pictures, Links or stories would also be appreciated.

Once I have complete my research and it is all down on word I will post it for those interested, Might even post pics of my collection which is slowly growing,
Currently have
RAF from 90s: Pilot (RAF), Navigator (N), Air Electronics Operator (AE), Air Loadmaster (LM), Parachute Jump Instructor (Parachute)
RAAF from 90s: Air Electronics Analyst (AE) and I hope Air Engineer (E) and Navigator (N) shortly
RNZAF from 90s: Air Loadmaster (LM)
CF from 90s: Pilot, Navigator, Air Electronics & Senor Operator, Air Engineer

Thanks

[Luig]

Here is one start point for Navy (RAN) today:
http://www.gunplot.net/rates/navyjobs.html

Which will lead you to here: (all one long URL)
http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/default.asp?initMedia=1&media=flash&bounceBack=/default.asp&utm_source=Inbound%20Links&utm_medium=404

From my own faulty memory I can state that the RAN FAA pilots changed from embroidered wings on sleeves to a metal badge (breast) in 1968. Good luck on all the rest. Using search engines should get you a lot of good information.

This post has been edited by Luig on Dec 8 2007, 03:21 PM

[herkman]

If you put a posting on

www.airmanaircrew.com

You could end up with copies if the RAAF Brevets

Regards

Col

[Joe Barr]

If you can get hold of a copy of C.G. Jefford's book "Observers and Navigators and other npn-pilot aircrew in the RFC, RNAS and RAF" published by Airlife in 2001, this contains quite a detailed breakdown of the many categories and badges worn by these three services. It may be obtainable by an inter-library loan or through one of the second-hand bookshops. I think Andrew Barnes Military Booksellers in Melbourne had one for sale recently.

Joe

[nichollg]

Thanks Joe, I will start searching.
Thanks for the info Luig
Have posted on AirmanAircrew, Any thing that will help
Cheers

[Luig]

This site looks like it has more badge collector contacts than anyone could use:

http://www.geocities.com/pentagon/quarters/8346/trades.htm