The WW2 British Glider Pilot Qualification Badge was a special emblem awarded to soldiers who had successfully completed glider pilot training. This was a prestigious award, as glider pilots played a crucial and often dangerous role in airborne operations during World War II, such as D-Day and Operation Market Garden.
Description of emblem.
Shape: A wing-like design.
Color: Usually silver thread embroidered on a dark blue or black background.
Details:
The central symbol consisted of a stylized hoverfly.
Was often worn on the upper right breast of the uniform jacket.
Material: The emblem was usually machine embroidered with silver or gray thread.
Carrying position
The insignia was usually worn on the chest of the battle dress, above the right breast pocket, in line with other awards.
Meaning
Glider pilots were trained to pilot wooden gliders that brought troops, vehicles and equipment to the battlefield. They had no motorized propulsion and relied on tow planes to get them to the target location. The task was dangerous because the landing sites were often in enemy territory and could be heavily defended.
Known operations
Soldaten met dit insigne namen deel aan operaties zoals:
- Operatie Overlord (D-Day)
- Operatie Market Garden
- Operatie Varsity
The Glider Pilot Regiment, which provided most of these pilots, was part of the British Army Air Corps.
