Turkish Naval Pilot Badge

[lonestarson]

Anyone know where I can find a good picture of the Ottoman Turkish Naval Pilot Badge? Any help is most appreciated.

[wingandprop]

From Medals, Orders & Decorations of the Ottoman Empire

"The Turkish Air Force came into existence during the Balkan war of 1912-1913, but the Empire did not develop their Air Force after the end of that conflict....

The Ottoman Navy added an Air Service in 1915, setting up a seaplane base at Yesilkoy, on the shores of the Sea of Marmara. Six Turkish Naval officers were sent to Germany for training. During the course of the war, four Naval seaplane squadrons were created, and a Naval aviation school was established at Yesilkoy. The Turkish Naval Air Service was primarily engaged in training of pilots and support personnel, and conducting observation missions to protect the straits and the Sea of Marmara from allied submarines. In addition, Turkish Naval Air Service personnel provided support for German seaplane squadrons in the Turkish theater. With the exception of the commander of the seaplane school, all of the officers and staff of the Turkish Naval Air Service were Ottoman Turks or Ottoman subjects.

A Navy pilot badge was supposedly created in 1917 for graduates of the Naval Aviation School. This badge, like the Army badge, does not appear to have held official status, but a few examples of the badge are known to exist. The badge is oval in design, with a laurel wreath around the edge, and a Sultan's turban at the top of the wreath. In the center is the image of a biplane over an aerial view of the Gallipoli peninsula and the Dardanelles."


Ottoman Navy Pilot's Badge.jpg

Admittedly, its not a "good" picture, but it is the best I found.

[lonestarson]

Many thanks. Yes, that's the only picture I have been able to find as well. A very rare badge apparently.

[wingandprop]

Shoot, until your query I didn't know the Ottoman Navy even had an air branch, but once I saw the question I just had to know.