Squadron Badge in Fin Flash

RAF McMerry

Know it rather well. Used to fly my RC planes there with the Macmerry Model Flying Club, off what used to be part of the old peri track (I think).

Sorry for diverting the thread! 😀

Carrying squadron crests on a/c during WWII was officially prohibited although, as with everything, there are always exceptions! The use of them was allowed again after the end of the war and were often located on the fin, above the flash, or on the nose of the aircraft.

How common was it for the squadron badge to appear in the fin flash and when did it cease to be done

I have seen photos of 601 Squadron and have several from 607 Squadron

Attached image was taken at RAF McMerry in 1941 and is from the album of late Squadron Leader PJT Stephenson and is supplied with permission of his daughter

I can’t comment regarding how common a practice it was, certainly 72 Squadron Spitfires carried the Blue Bird emblem during 1939. The squadron was still displaying the emblem on tail of their Wessex helicopters many years later when the Squadron disbanded at RAF Aldergrove.

Cheers

WF