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Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft War Badge

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, X006-2704

Originally devised as qualification badges for aircrew, the use of some trade badges became linked to combat experience. The Anti-Aircraft Badge was awarded according to a points system reflecting the types of engagements that individual had undertaken.

Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft War Badge | X006-2704, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Trolley Accumulator, Mk I

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, 85/V/46

The batteries in aircraft were small so the Trolley Accumulator was used to provide the high power needed to start aircraft engines. The engine was used to recharge the batteries in the trolley.

Metal trailer with a large wheel on each side and small wheel beneath the charging set, RAF Museum

Black Cat lucky charm of Flight Lieutenant John Elwyn Charles

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, X005-0851

A black cat crossing your path is a good luck superstition. This hand stitched black cat was carried on operations in 1943–1944 by navigator John Charles of No.192 (Special Duties) Squadron.

Small hand sewn black cat with safety pin securing hanging loop, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

USAAF Type M-1 Flak Vest

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, 1986/0275/U

During 1942, 70% of USAAF aircrew casualties were due to flak and other low speed projectiles. After flak vests were introduced, fatality rates of bomber crews were reduced by 50% and injuries by 70%.

Side view of a protective vest in three sections covering the back, chest, abdomen and groin displayed on a mannequin. An adjustable waist belt is visible as is a red fabric handle to aid emergency removal of the garment, RAF Museum

Night Fighter Operational Flying Clasp (Silver)

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, X004-0866

The Luftwaffe introduced flying clasps as a way of acknowledging an aircrew’s operational experience. A bronze clasp represented 20 operational flights, silver 60 and gold 110.

Night Fighter Operational Flying Clasp (Silver) | X004-0866, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

USAAF Shoulder Badge, 9th Air Force

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, 1986/0465/U

The 9th was the US’s tactical air force for the invasion of Europe. By autumn 1944 most units had relocated to the continent, serving beside the RAF’s 2nd Tactical Air Force.

USAAF Shoulder Badge, 9th Air Force | 1986/0465/U, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Pathfinder Force badge of Flight Lieutenant Angus Caesar-Gordon DFC DFM

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, X004-5202

Pathfinder crews identified and marked targets for the main bomber stream of aircraft. These crews underwent additional training and were expected to complete one Tour of 45 operations. A qualified Pathfinder was allowed to wear the coveted eagle badge over his left breast pocket.

Gilded brass eagle, wings outstretched, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

GEE Radio Frequency Unit Type 24

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, X005-2634

GEE was a radio navigation aid with few components, enabling it to be fitted easily to most aircraft requiring a navigator. It acquired a reputation of being simple to operate and gained the nickname ‘the goon box’ as anybody could use it.

GEE Radio Frequency Unit Type 24 | X005-2634, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

T1 Bombsight, Control Panel

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, 80/I/1466

The T1 is a gyro-stabilized bombsight which compensates for the movement of an aircraft by displaying the impact point of a bomb even when the aircraft is not in straight and level flight.

Grey box with two off-on switches, black, switch in middle, two silver panels below lens, silver ports at bottom, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Würzburg Radar Indicator Unit

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, 82/R/713

German air defence relied heavily on radar. Early warning was provided by the Freya radar system while Würzburg Radars were used for ground-controlled interception. This unit was used to direct searchlights and flak guns.

RAF Museum/Iain Duncan