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What is the ATA Veterans Badge?

The ATA Veterans Badge has been introduced to honour the work of the whole Air Transport Auxiliary service during the Second World War.

The ATA was a civilian organisation that began in 1939. It had pilots from 22 countries who flew more than 300,000 aircraft from factories to airfields on the front line. This freed up RAF pilots for combat duties.

Who can get the ATA Veterans Badge?

You can get the ATA Veterans Badge if you served in the Air Transport Auxiliary between 3 September 2023 and 30 November 1945.

Awarding the ATA Veterans Badge if the ATA member has died

The ATA Veterans Badge will only be issued posthumously (after death) if the person died after 1 February 2008. The badge will then be awarded to the next of kin (the person’s nearest relative).

Applying for an ATA Veterans Badge

If you’re a member of the ATA Association, the Department for Transport should have written to you about getting the badge.

If you didn’t get the letter or aren’t a member of the ATA Association, you can apply for a badge by filling in an application form. You can download the application form from the link below.

You must give:

• your full name and address
• your date of birth
• your position or role in the ATA
• the dates of your service
• the name of the ferry pool where you were stationed

You also need to tell the department if you are a member of the ATA Association.

• Download ATA Veterans Badge application form (PDF, 24K)

• Help with PDF files

• Contact the Air Transport Auxiliary Association

Response to your application

The Department for Transport will check the details you’ve given in your application. If it approves your application, it will send you the badge.

Costs for the ATA Veterans Badge

There is no cost for the ATA Veterans Badge.

Getting help with your application

You can contact the Department for Transport about the ATA Veterans Badge by phone, email or in writing.

Address: ATA Veterans Badge, 1/28 Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 4DR

Telephone: 020 7944 8706 (UK only) or +44 207 944 8706 if you live overseas

Email: phil.cotterell@dft.gsi.gov.uk