Trimmed Parachute Wings Badge

[Enfield1940]

Hi,

 

I'm planning to replace some missing para wings on a recently acquired 1977 type Para Smock. I've bought a couple of potential badges and I attach a pic. The lower one is allegedly Falklands era, whereas I don't know how old the upper more faded one is. As you can see the lower one has had the edge trimmed and this has also been done on the wings on another 1977 type Para Smock I have.

 

So... was it normal practice to trim the edges of para wings to be stitched to Para Smocks circa the early 1980's? I think the more faded one would look better on the smock, but would it be more authentic to trim it smaller first?

 

Thanks,

Mark

[Will16]

I've asked my dad, who trimmed his Para wings. He said that it was down to personal preference and generally made the wings look neater.

[gazzaw]

yep agree there but also depending on the RSM at time as some were anally retentive and would not allow them to be trimmed etc

[Nickmow]

Trimmed wings were the norm where I was, I must admit I thought that was how it was supposed to be. Probably because all the lads did it so I just fell in with the crowd.

[gazzaw]

Yep nice to trim the wings, but on the end of the wrong inspecting officer could earn a week on the 120mm shell polishing it and carrying it round Browning barracks lol - character building, just like a good beasting. But unfortunately with the Royal Corps of Social Worker we now have you can't even raise your voice in case the recipient faints or feels threatened hehe

[Tony B]

Yep nice to trim the wings, but on the end of the wrong inspecting officer could earn a week on the 120mm shell polishing it and carrying it round Browning barracks lol - character building, just like a good beasting. But unfortunately with the Royal Corps of Social Worker we now have you can't even raise your voice in case the recipient faints or feels threatened hehe

 

The Royal Navy had a steel dustbin for similar purposes. To be polished outside, and inside! :cry: