AIR FORCE BADGES FOR VOLUNTEERS

Southland Times, Issue 24152, 14 June 1940, Page 9

AIR FORCE BADGES FOR VOLUNTEERS

MEN AWAITING TRAINING

(United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 13.

The issue of special enlistment badges to persons volunteering in the Air Force was begun yesterday. The only volunteers eligible to wear the badge are those who have been accepted or provisionally accepted but who have not yet been called up and those whose medical standard is below that required for the Expeditionary Force.

The badge consists of a blue V (symbolic of the fact that the man has volunteered), through which a gold fern leaf is woven and is surmounted by a gold crown. Badges and certificates issued to candidates whose training is deferred must be returned when the men report for training. Every man to whom a badge has been issued shall at all times while wearing the badge or having it in his possessioi carry with him a certificate signed by the person issuing the badge and containing particulars of the man to whom it was issued . and the reasons for its issue. The certificate has to be produced on the request of any officer of the naval,

military or air forces in uniform or any constable. About 1600 men are waiting to be examined by the selection committee of the Air Force, but they will not be entitled to the badge until they have been before the committee and have been medically examined. The badges will be posted by the Air Department to those entitled to wear them,