Question on Slovak Aviation Personnel and Badges

[GLM]

Hello All,

Do any of the Slovakian members, or any members for that matter, have information regarding Slovakian aviation badges worn. The only books I have that mention these are Huff’s “Wings of World II” and Littlejohn’s “Foreign Legions of the Third Reich”. They list four categories, such as a silver eagle and gold wreath is a night observer badge (although Huff does go on to say it could also be a pilot/observer badge). Both of these sources are older and I am not sure of their accuracy (I believe one was used as a reference for the other). I was hopeful someone came up with a better source of what the Slovakian pilot/observers qualification and regulations are in terms of the color and style of badge. Anyone have close-up (studio, etc) photos they can post of the Slovakian pilot or observer badges in wear either by Slovak or German flight personnel? If no color photos, I am hopeful there may be photos of sufficient quality out there that the contrast in colors may be evident. Lastly are there any specific numbers out there detailing the number of pilots, navigators, bombardiers, gunners, etc trained?

Best,

Lee

[1900]

What about these? They are from wikipedia - free to use.

Left upper corner - night - nocny, polny - field, pilot - pilot /night field pilot/
Right upper corner - field pilot airman
Left corner down - field observer airman/pilot
Right corner down - field observer of HQ

[1900]

Another qualification badges.

Left upper corner - Pilot of Slovak flying corps. /SLES - civil organisation, which prepared pilots - used mainly gliders/
Right upper corner - Field Airman - shooter /strelec/
Left corner down - Air force mechanic - officer
Right corner down - Air force mechanic - NCO

[1900]

As we can see here, todays air force badges look very ww2...

Today Slovak Air force badges:

[GLM]

Hi 1900,

Thanks so much for posting the above photos and information. I apologize for the delay in responding. I will try and find the wikipedia thread. Do you have a link? I am hoping that wikipedia has a source/document. I am most particularly interested in is the one at bottom left in the first photo (field observer airman/pilot). I have mainly seen this one referenced as “day observer” but have also read that it is possibly a pilot/observer badge for individuals qualified in both (much like the German pilot/observer badge which has the same colors).

Thanks Again,

Lee

[1900]

Hello GLM,
here is a link for wikipedia: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: ... dznaky.jpg

Not so sure about field observer airman/pilot badge, but I can ask.

[GLM]

Thanks 1900 for the link. The author (Peter Zelizňák) states that it is his own work and no source document. When you said you will ask, do you know him? If you can contact him that would be great and I would really appreciate it. I would really like to obtain more information on these badges and any photos of the rear of the badges.

Thanks Again,

Lee

[1900]

I think he just took pictures from his collection with camera - that´s why source is missing. BTW real author is a sculptor Vojtech Ihriský. He was probably first civil pilot flying just for fun in Slovakia - definitely right person to make such badges. He was inventor as well, I think he invented pocket typing machine. They called him slovak Leonardo da Vinci. Died in 1988.

In work...

[GLM]

Thanks again 1900. When you say Vojtech Ihriský is the real author I see his name referenced on the webpage but not sure what it is saying? Could you help me with what this says “Ich autorom je sochár Vojtech Ihriský“. Did he design the badges?

Thanks,

Lee

[1900]

Yes he did them.
Ich autorom je sochár Vojtech Ihriský means Their author is a sculptor Vojtech Ihrinsky.

[GLM]

Thanks 1900. You have been very helpful with my questions and I do appreciate it.

Lee

[1900]

I'm glad I could help