Original Canadian WWII Royal Canadian Air Force Wireless Air Gunner Uniform Jacket with St. John’s Ambulance Association Patch

Original Item. Only One Available. The Canadian Air Force (CAF) was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron Canadian Air Force that was formed during the First World War in Europe. John Scott Williams, MC, AFC, was tasked in 1921 with organizing the CAF, handing command over later the same year to Air Marshal Lindsay Gordon. The new Canadian Air Force was a branch of the Air Board and was chiefly a training militia that provided refresher training to veteran pilots. Many CAF members also worked with the Air Board's Civil Operations Branch on operations that included forestry, surveying and anti-smuggling patrols. In 1923, the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada, including civil aviation. In 1924, the Canadian Air Force, was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Most of its work was civil in nature; however, in the late 1920s the RCAF evolved into more of a military organization. After budget cuts in the early 1930s, the air force began to rebuild.

During the Second World War, the RCAF was a major contributor to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was involved in operations in Great Britain, Europe, the north Atlantic, North Africa, southern Asia, and with home defence. By the end of the war, the RCAF had become the fourth largest allied air force. During WWII the Royal Canadian Air Force was headquartered in 20-23 Lincolns Inn Fields, London.

This is a lovely uniform jacket to a Wireless Air Gunner serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. The jacket has a gorgeous WAG Wing over the left breast pocket above a Canadian Volunteer Service ribbon. There are Air Force “wing” patches on both shoulders, as well as Sergeant Chevrons. Under the wing on the right sleeve is a Wireless Operator shoulder flash. On the left cuff is a St. John’s Ambulance Association patch.

The jacket shows good service use overall with all buttons retained. The interior lining shows sweat staining only achieved through honest use.

A gorgeous RCAF Jacket, ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 26”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15.5"
Chest width: 18.5”
Waist: 16.5"
Hip:  16.5"
Front length: 31.5"