47
UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA OF THE AIR CORPS
By James G. Perkins
In 1922 the Irish Air Service was
formed. Personnel wore the green
army uniform, as the Service was part
of the Army.
Uniform
The green army uniform changed de-
sign three times for enlisted ranks. In
1922 the tunic was a high stiff collar. In
1942 the tunic changed to a soft round
collar and in 1964 the V neck tunic was
introduced.
The tunic worn by officers initially had a
high stiff collar and in 1940 the V neck
tunic was introduced, and this pattern
has continued to the present day.
The green uniform was worn until the
introduction of the blue uniform in
1994.
Originally the tunic was worn with a
cloth belt when not worn as Service
Dress 1, this ceased c2001.
A peak cap as well as a forage cap was
introduced.
A white belt with a chrome buckle was
introduced for enlisted ranks to en-
hance the tunic.
Collar badge
The collar badge design is an eagle
perched on a rock surrounded by a
Celtic design and is worn in pairs facing
outwards. The design has not changed
since 1924 and at various times the
material has been silver, brass, copper
and staybrite. A chrome version was
introduced for the blue uniform in 1994.
Between 1940 and 1944 a modified
cloth collar badge was introduced for
officers (see image).
Corps badge
During and after the emergency, the Air
Corps wore the cloth badges designat-
ed "Army Troops".
In 1954 the blue Corps cloth badge
was introduced. The centre piece of the
badge consists of a "Celtic Boss" in the
national colours. The colours of blue
and gold are the Air Corps colours. (In
1954 this Boss design was introduced
as the aircraft marking).
UNIFORMS
AND INSIGNIA
OF THE AIR CORPS
