Officer’s Volunteer Reserve Collor Badge, 1939 Pattern

These small gilt badges were worn on the lapels of an officer’s service dress uniform to identify them as being a member of the Volunteer Reserve.

The Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was established in 1936 to provide a pool of trained aircrew who could be called upon at times of national crisis. The Volunteer Reserve was open to men between the ages of 18 and 25 and offered aircrew training at civilian run flying schools, during evenings and weekends. With the outbreak of war, the Volunteer Reserve became the main route of entry into the RAF for aircrew.