November 22, 2003 at 6:45 pm
I have seen a silver mug with the following inscription:
83 GROUP MAIN 2ND TACTICAL AIR FORCE B.L.A
The mug was made in Birmingham in 1944. Does anyonr know what “BLA” might be?
“Cheers”
Ian
By: allan125 - 23rd November 2003 at 14:28
BLA
Hi Guys – From the official history of 122 Wing – they went through Z Group, Blue Group, 83 Group and became part of BWEF (British Western Expeditionary Force), then, when in Normandy, it changed to BLA (British Liberation Army or as they state more popularly also called (Bother (or something) Liberating Anyone), then eventually to BAFO (British Air Forces of Occupation) to BAOR (British Army of the Rhine). Hope it helps – Allan125
By: ian_st - 22nd November 2003 at 22:13
Sounds extremely plausible – thank- you!
Ian
By: RadarArchive - 22nd November 2003 at 19:51
I suspect (although can’t confirm for certain) that BLA = British Liberation Army.