Code: 58380
A very nice RAF Air Rank Officer’s Cap and Tunic, once belonging to Air Commodore George Hurst Randle (1903–1974) who trained at the RAF College Cranwell in 1921, earned a permanent commission in 1922, and later served extensively through World War II, receiving the U.S. Legion of Merit in 1943.
After two flying postings in 1923 he attended Cambridge University, became a Squadron leader in 1929 a Wing Commander in 1939 and a Group Captain in 1941.
He retired in 1948 as an Air Commodore, having held several senior positions.
His Air Rank Cap is by the Muir Cap Company and remains in very good condition. The brim is perfectly rounded with no piping at the seam. A fine example of an Air Rank Cap Badge is in place attached to the hat band, below which the leather chinstrap rests on the regulation peak or visor, adorned with the double rows of gold bullion wire oakleaves appropriate to his rank.
Inside, the sweatband carries his initials and the manufacture’s logo, the sweat shield is in place but discoloured and missing some of its surface finish, the maker’s logo just visible underneath it.
Although he did not become an Air Commodore until 1948, I believe the Cap pre dates that and was perhaps old wartime stock when he acquired it. Very good condition with no moth
The Tunic is of the standard pre 1947 pattern by Burberrys and tailored for him in January 1946 while still a Group Captain replace by his later Air Rank stripes.
Above the left breast pocket are an excellent pair of early padded RAF Pilots wings, perhaps taken from a previous uniform and reminiscent in my view of those theatre made, possibly in India, along with his medal ribbons, the two war medals, Coronation medal and US Legion of Merit.
The Tunic is in very good condition with some very minor wear and moth nibbles at the collar and upper lapel.
