WW2 Indian Air Force Pilot Wings

WW2 Indian Air Force Pilot wings. C1942-1945 period, (before the IAF became the Royal Indian Air Force). Worsted “IAF” and Kings crown on black wool backing. Full size wings.

The Indian Air Force was started as a dominion air force extension in 1932 under British colonial command. The insignia of the IAF was a standard royal air force design with a Tudor crown but with the IAF cypher. The force served with distinction during WWII primarily fighting the Japanese on the Burmese and Thai fronts. In recognition of the distinguished service of the unit, the British crown conferred a Royal charter on the service in 1945, making it the RIAF with a subsequent change in the insignia. The RIAF name was retained even through India's independence in 1947. In 1950, the force dropped the royal title, reverting to the India Air Force. The wing style was retained with the British crown being replaced by the Indian national symbol of the Lion Capital of Sarnath.

Code: 732