Assault Glider Regia Aeronautica
Royal Air Force Assault Gliders, 1943
The history of this unit is incredible. Initially somewhat opposed, it was reevaluated, developed, and promoted following the prospect of an invasion of the island of Malta. It was never a combat unit, although the name Assault Gliders might have led one to believe so, and only 11 patents were issued during the war.
Disbanded in 1943, it was reconstituted in 1944 at the request of Captain Mantelli and finally disbanded in April 1945.
This badge still has no precise location. There are three hypotheses: the first, obviously, that it was produced for the first 11 patentees; the second, that it may have been produced during the RSI; and, obviously, the last, that it was a veterans' badge.
Both the badge and its description are published on page 206 of Cassioli-Del Gais' book.
One of the few brevet holders lived in Parma.
At the time, only three of these badges are known, one of which is the one published.
Assault Glider Regia Aeronautica