LW Pilot's Badge pin and patch.

[Champagne Tiger]

I'm reading Len Deighton's "Fighter" about the Battle of Britain. In the caption of one photo of a downed LW NCO taking a swig of liquor from a bottle belonging to his friendly English captors, it is suggested that the PINNED ON metal pilot's badge identifies the downed LW pilot as an NCO, rather than an Officer.

Did the LW Officer pilot's wear the sew-on pilot's badge rather than the pinned on badge? Thanks.

[John G.]

Most definately "Yes", all ranks wore cloth versions, both cotton and bullion....(bullion normally associated with officers but both were authorized for all ranks)..... as well as metal badges.

There were many NCO Pilots in the Luftwaffe.... so that is entirely possible.
John G.

[Champagne Tiger]

So, LW pilot officers did in fact wear the metal pilot's badge OR the sew on patch, according to their own preference, correct?

[John G.]

Cloth version were less likely to "catch" on something in case of emergency exit from an aircraft (or).... so were favored by flying personnel, etc., for duty uniforms (but also authorized for any uniform (wearers choice). There were cloth versions of "all LW badges, most Navy, and several Army (W-SS) badges, including the Iron Cross and War Merit Cross 1st Cl., even wound badges (printed versions)... of course, anyone could wear the metal or cloth versions of awards. Wear of cloth versions was most popular in the Luftwaffe, however.
John G.