B.C.O.F RAF Tunic

[Lugerlout]

A recent purchase, very cheap from a local flea market, RAF Tunic with B.C.O.F insignia which is the first one I have ever found, I believe the majority of B.C.O.F personnel were Australian but there was a large (ish) British contingent including RAF detachments, the Tunic has some moth damage unfortunately, it came with a field service cap and in one of the pockets was a set of corporals stripes........maybe the owner had just got promoted but did'nt get round to sewing them on..........

[Michael Ryan]

Hi, As a matter of interest, whilst stationed at RAF Mount Batten, I worked with an ex Marine Craft airman who was stationed in Japan following their surrender and wore the BCOF divs and if my memory serves me he also wore the ASR badge in conjunction with the BCOF divs. I have several variations of the BCOF badge in my RAF collection but have not yet aquired the Base badge. Nice find!!
Cheers Michael R

[Lugerlout]

Hi Michael, thanks for your comments and the info, I have seen a few of the B.C.O.F badges for sale here and there on the web but like you I have not seen the 'base' insignia, pleased to have it.............as an aside I am ex RAF and served a brief period with an MCU at Holyhead in North Wales in the early seventies............a breed apart these RAF sailors.........

[Michael Ryan]

Hi, I arrived at Mount Batten a month or so after the Marine Craft Branch ceased to operate. A day late and a dollar short as our cousens over tha Pond would say. What trade were you, I was a squirrel/stacker/grocer or whatever. Do you collect RAF??
Cheers Michael R

[Lugerlout]

I was an electrician (Gen Tech E) I got detached to the MCU for a short time, 6 months in 1977, although they had specialist marine mechanics for the engines the boat electrical systems were very similar to vehicles we were trained on so it was'nt a great leap, I spent most of my time on board making tea for the crew......we were running RSL (Range Safety Launches) mostly dumping trainee aircrew from RAF Valley into the sea and making things as uncomfortable as possible for them as we raced at full speed between them floating in their one man dingeys whilst they did survival drills.................happy days...........

[Michael Ryan]

Like you, I spent a short time at the Tenby MCU and got out on their Pinace a couple of times Quite an enjoyable time!! Are you a collector? If so, of what??
Cheers MR

[Lugerlout]

Hi Michael, yes I do collect, edged weapons mainly but also various Third Reich items odd items of uniforms and equipment, there are certain things I like to have in my own collection but I also visit auctions to buy bits and pieces to sell at militaria fairs, it is becoming a full time occupation....I also shoot so I have a nice collection of rifles and pistols mainly Second World War era.