June 7, 2005 at 1:32 pm
I have originally posted this on another thread, without much response. Following the advice of JDK
Suggest you start a new thread with it & the pics at the top for the non-jet fans…
here it goes again, under its own title
On 21 May I visited Minsk Mazowiecki, the base of 1 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (1st Tactical Aviation Squadron) Polish AF. Their MiG-29s don’t seem historic to me, quite unlike the badge they carry under the cockpit, as shown here on three different machines.
The emblem, known as “Kosciuszko Badge” was first seen on fighters in 1920, during the Polish-Russian war (Oeffag D.III shown below).
Then it adorned several types during the inter-war years, ending with P.11s (see below) which took it into battle again, in 1939.
In 1940 it re-appeared on Hurricanes of 303 Sqn over London, and continued on the unit’s Spitfires during 1941-45 (S/Ldr Zumbach’s BM144 illustrated), finally adorning 303’s Mustang IVs when they escorted Lancasters to Berchtesgaden, the “Hitler’s Nest” on 25 April 1945.
The ‘Kosciuszko Badge’ has been the officiall badge of the MIG-equipped 1st Squardon for about 10 years or so, ever since the veterans of 303 Sqn gathered at Minsk Mazowiecki to officially pass their traditions on. It was worn on uniforms by the squadron crew. Under the old organisation system the 1 PLM (Pulk Lotnictwa Mysliwskiego – Fighter Aviation Regiment) had two squadrons, and aeroplanes rotated between these, so they only had the mermaid badge of the entire regiment applied (this is still present on some MiGs). Now, following a reorganisation, the whole unit has the title of the 1st Squadron, and the ‘Kosciuszko Badge’ has reappeared on aircraft.
This made me wonder: what other unit badges are still in use on operational aircraft in various countries, and date back 85 years or more?
By: VoyTech - 8th June 2009 at 10:08
I revive my old thread to post some pics of the 90-year old badge on a MiG-29 of the squadron that had its premiere during the air picnic at Goraszka last weekend. Aircraft flown by Lt.Col. Kozak (sqn commander) and Capt. Iwaszko. The painting was done by a group of enthusiasts to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the original ‘Kosciuszko’ squadron (1919-2009) and the forthcoming 70th anniversary of No. 303 Squadron (1940-2010). Incidentally, this year is also the 20th anniversary of the introduction of MiG-29s in the squadron.
All photos ©VoyTech/dranio
By: Guzzineil - 7th June 2005 at 18:02
17 and 29 Sqns RAF are both ’90’ this year, but I dont think they carried the Sqn ‘colours’ till the 1920’s… anyone know??
Neil.