Am I right in saying that No.203 Advanced Flying School came under the Flying Training Command when based at Driffield from 1949 to 1954? I need a badge for a profile/print and the only one I can find is from the aformentioned Flying Training Command.
Hope someone can assist?
Best Wishes
Phil Rhodes
By: lauriebe - 3rd December 2008 at 01:18
Phil, “The Source Book of the RAF” lists the RAF’s orbat at several different points in time. The listing prior to 1953 is for July 1945. The list after is for April 1962. No. 203 AFS is not shown in either.
However, looking through the late Ray Sturtivant’s book “RAF Flying Training and Support Units Since 1912”, have come across the following info for No. 203 AFS:
Reformed 1-9-49 ex No. 226 OCU at Driffield in No. 23 Gp with Meteors and Vampires (RLG at Carnaby from 1-9-49, unit based there 7-50 to 9-50); 1-5-51 to 21 Gp; redesignated No. 8 FTS 1-6-54.
Further reading of Delve’s book revealed this information on unit badges:
The general outline of the badge followed a fixed pattern of an edged circle, surmounted by a crown and with a scroll at the base. Up to 11th November 1954 it employed a Tudor crown (often refered to as a King’s crown), but after that date it used St Edward’s crown (the Queen’s Crown).
Going by that info, you would be correct to use the King’s crown in your profiles.
By: Phillip Rhodes - 2nd December 2008 at 14:33
Hello Laurie
Many thanks for the information – very useful and very much appreciated.
Working on the first in a series of profiles detailing aircraft based at RAF Driffield 1936 to 1957. The first print is Meteor T7 WA591 which was with No.203 AFS. The 16in x 12in print will also feature the RAF Driffield station badge (Kings Crown) and the Flying Training Command badge. My only concern relates to dates. I don’t mind using the RAF Driffield station badges on all the six prints in the series, even though it was only issued just prior to the death of King George VI.
What concerns me is the Flying Training Badge. If according to In Ken Delve’s “The Source Book of the RAF”, 203 AFS is shown as coming under 24 Gp, Flying Training Command in April 1953, this means I am unable to use the badge as it is also Kings Crown. I’m confused…
By: lauriebe - 2nd December 2008 at 01:17
Phil,
In Ken Delve’s “The Source Book of the RAF”, 203 AFS is shown as coming under 24 Gp, Flying Training Command in April 1953.
Hope that helps.
Laurie.
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December 1, 2008 at 11:21 am