Insignia, Collar, Volunteer Reserve, Royal Air Force, Pair

Nice pair of genuine WWII British 'VR' brass collar insignia, intended for officers of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Formed in July 1936, the VR aimed at creating a pool of pilots and aircrews quickly available in the event of another conflict with Germany. Following Britain's entry into war, the Volunteer Reserve soon became the main access to the Royal Air Force for many young men willing to fly and fight in the skies of Europe: by the end of 1941, over fifty per cent of Bomber Command aircrews actually belonged to the RAFVR.

The 750 American pilots who went on to serve in the Eagle Squadrons were also members of the Volunteer Reserve.

In 1943, considering that these specific insignia could lead to some sort of 'discrimination' within operational units, the Air Ministry issued orders to discontinue their wearing.

Nice homogeneous set, in very good overall condition.