Original named Goldfish Club Badge and associated RAF signallers brevet

A scarce original British WWII Goldfish Club badge, awarded unofficially to all allied airmen who were rescued after ditching in the sea and so qualified for membership of the Goldfish Club and were entitled to its associated badge and certificate. This example is embroidered on black wool and depicts a white winged goldfish flying over two blue waves, with the reverse of the insignia being hessian backed. All such original badges are now scarce but what lifts this well-worn example is the fact we know the full details of the recipient, who served with 347 "Tunisie" Squadron, which was one of only two French Air Force heavy bomber squadrons serving with the RAF during World War Two and was formed at RAF Elvington, Yorkshire in June 1944. This particular badge was awarded to Flight Sergeant Chaboud, who took part in a raid targeting Cologne on 28.10.44 flying as Radio Operator on Halifax B/A. Mk III serial NA519. On the return from the operation three engines failed, probably as a result of the engine oil system freezing and the skipper Lieutenant Deleuze made a successful ditching in the sea off the Suffolk coast near Felixstowe. The Air Sea Rescue service was quickly on the scene and all crew members were safely recovered.

The Goldfish Club was formed in November 1942 by Mr. C. A. Robertson who was time Chief Draughtsman to Messrs PB Cow & Co, who by the 1940's was one of the world's largest manufacturers of air-sea rescue equipment. After hearing of the experiences of some of the airmen who ditched and survived using the companies equipment, he conceived the idea of forming an exclusive club for airmen who owed their lives to their Mae West life jackets, and rubber dinghies. With his companies backing, the club was named The Goldfish Club, with each member being presented with a woven badge and a heat-sealed membership card although in this instance the card is sadly missing. However, due to wartime restrictions no materials were available for the badges manufacture but instead some redundant dinner suits were donated in response to an appeal by columnist William Hickey in the Daily Express. By the end of the war the Goldfish Club had almost ten thousand members and it remains active to this day

Air Ministry uniform regulations prevented the badge being openly worn, so most recipients had them sewn under the flap of their left-hand battledress breast pocket. This example shows significant wear to the embroidered wing as well as traces of the unpicked sewing thread. In a market that is sadly spoiled by reproductions masquerading as originals, it is good to have the provenance of this example. It was purchased from the recipients family in Paris, together with other related possession. Monsieur Chaboud continued his illustrious career post war, flying in Civil Aviation as a Flight Engineer / Radio Operator. He was instrumental in opening the Saigon / Phnom Penh – Bangkok service in 1947, operating on a DC 3. Included in this grouping is his original RAF Signallers padded brevet that is in near mint condition. We also obtained a photocopy of a certificate that is made out to Maurice Chaboud, confirming his award of the Médaille de l'Aéronautique dated 1st February 1973, as well as a typed note reading 'Joined the company in 1946, 22,430 flight hours, Military Medal, Croix de Guerre 39-45, Aeronautical Medal of Honour. 'We have also found online a photograph of Sgt Chaboud when serving with 347 Squadron and downloaded this would look great framed alongside his Goldfish badge and RAF brevet. The limited numbers of French nationals serving with the RAF in WWII would make this particular Goldfish a very scarce Free French related survivor and we suspect it will not be with us for long. The badge measures 2.4" x 1.5" (6 cm x 4 cm).

N. B. Final shot shows the listed badge displayed alongside an original Goldfish certificate from my own collection, issued to my friend the late Warrant officer John Bristow. This is for illustrative purposes only and is not included in this sale.