Code: M27255
Royal Air Forces Association car badge in chromed metal and enamel. Approximately 9.5 x 12cm maximum. After the First World War, a number of Squadron and Unit Associations were formed to enable those who had served together to maintain contact with one another. In 1929 this led to the formation of the 'Comrades of the Royal Air Force', a single organisation dedicated to the welfare of serving and ex-serving RAF personnel. George V gave his patronage in 1936 but the size of the RAF remained modest until the effects of the re-armament programme began to be felt in 1938 and the number of 'Comrades' didn't expand beyond 10,000 in pre-war days. Following the outbreak of WW2, the WAAF reformed and the Women’s Royal Air Force Old Comrades Association (created in 1919) opened its membership to all ranks of the new female air service. In 1941, the two Old Comrades organisations for airmen and airwomen merged, resulting in a combined membership of nearly 20,000. By 1943, with more than a million serving in the RAF, it became clear that if the Association was to play an effective part in the post-war era, it would need to be organised. The Association's Committee concluded that its aims and objectives should be extended to assist all ranks leaving the Royal Air Force and in 1943 changed the name of the organisation to 'The Royal Air Forces Association' seen on this badge. There is wear to both chroming and enamel but overall condition is good. The number '772' can be seen quite crudely engraved to the mounting section. Stock code M27255.
