WW2 British RAF Guinea Pig Club Badge

The WW2 British RAF Guinea Pig Club Badge is an emblem associated with a unique group formed during the Second World War. The Guinea Pig Club was established in 1941 at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, England, for airmen who underwent experimental reconstructive surgery after sustaining burn injuries in combat. Membership was exclusive to those treated by pioneering plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe and his team. The badge typically features a stylized guinea pig motif, sometimes accompanied by elements such as wings or RAF insignia, signifying the club’s connection to the Royal Air Force. Worn as a mark of resilience and camaraderie, these badges are significant artifacts linked to medical advancements in wartime and the personal histories of injured servicemen. The design and production period correspond to the early 1940s, reflecting the material and manufacturing methods of that era. This item holds historical interest for collectors of military, medical, and aviation memorabilia.