Mystery 144 sqn raf guerrilla firmin badge
 

This is an unusual one I’ve never found anything out about it once formed part of the Margaret nobbs collection and simply came with the attached note saying 144 sqn , it’s excellent quality and made by firmin London , has anyone seen or have any idea on this one ??

Could this be a representation of the so called Big Foot creature instead of a gorilla and have some North American or Canadian connection?

Just a thought, Simon.

I know of at least one RAF Squadron and one ATC Squadron of WW2 who had lapel badges made up in silver, and gilt/enamel. The RAF Squadron (No. 34) had a black Wolf on its Squadron badge, and some members had a silver Wolfs head badge made locally in India whilst they were based there, and it was worn on the battledress pocket.

In the case of the ATC Squadron, (No. 492 (Hall Green & Sparkbrook) Squadron) they had a badge made of an Eagle carrying a torch on a bar carrying the number '492', in gilt and enamel, which was presented to cadets leaving the Squadron to join the RAF or FAA. I have one but it has no makers mark. It features on the current Squadron badge, but I don't know if the Squadron had a badge during the war and the emblem was taken from it or vice versa.

If it is what the note says, it might well be an unofficial Squadron badge to No. 144 Squadron. It doesn't relate to the Squadron badge, which carries a boars head, but they did operate in the Med area from Algeria, and that country has the Barbary macaque, so that might be a connection. Taking the emblem of a local sight as an unofficial pocket badge.

Could it represent King Kong who had been a popular Holywood image since 1933?

Possibly used unofficially by the Squadron as were other popular cinema characters such as Snow White and her various diminished stature co-workers which appeared on aircraft fuselages during the war.

Any connection to Bristol (Blenheim/Beaufighter :confused:) ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_the_Gorilla

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