GQ Parachute Wings

This sequence of images shows two versions of GQ wings issued by the parachute manufacturer during World War II. The enamelled version was issued to men of No 2 Commando who qualified as parachutists using the GQ X-Type. The reverse of the enamelled wings are stamped with the words ‘G.Q. Parachutist’. Prior to the official issue of any formal airborne insignia men of No 2 Commando wore the GQ wings on their Battledress above the tunic pocket (See the photo titled ‘Gen Dill inspects men of No 2 Commando, with Lt Col Jackson in attendance’.) This practice stopped with the issue of cloth wings by the Army which were worn on the right shoulder. The enamelled version is still issued today as a promotional item by Irvin-GQ.