Wing Commander (rank) - Insignia and Command Flag

Insignia and Command Flag

The rank insignia is based on the three gold bands of commanders in the Royal Navy and consists of three narrow light blue bands over slightly wider black bands. This is worn on both the lower sleeves of the tunic or on the shoulder of the flying suit or the casual uniform.

The command pennant used by a Wing Commander is one of two triangular command pennants used in the RAF. Two thin red lines differentiate this one from the other.

During 1941-45 Fighter Command's wing leaders (of Wing Commander rank) were also allowed to use their own initials as aircraft identification letters on their personal aircraft, e.g., Wing Commander Roland Beamont's personal Hawker Tempest, JN751, was coded "R-B", Wing Commander John Robert Baldwin's personal Hawker Typhoon was coded "J-B".

  • An RAF Wing Commander's sleeve/shoulder insignia

  • An RAF Wing Commander's sleeve mess insignia

  • An RAF Wing Commander's command pennant

  • An RAF Wing Commander's sleeve on No. 1 Service Dress Uniform

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