I note in an earlier post that Wikipedia states the gold Spitfire was instituted in 1988 - I frankly doubt this - I have the uniform of Joe James BEM (who I knew well and served with) who received his gold spitfire in 1979 - his badges are on the RAF blue/grey background. I attach a picture of his jacket which clearly illustrates the gold spitfires on grey with shoulder titles on the later blue backing. Whilst I cannot offer a date for the introduction of the gold spitfire or a reason why it is available on blue/grey & bark blue background (unless the general rule of blue/grey being pre 1977 and dark blue being post 1977 as with all other ROC insignia) I know beyond doubt that the the gold spitfire badges on Joe's uniform are those issued by HQ ROC in 1979. I also have another (loose) example which came from a different source. I hope the attached images are of interest in resolving this query.
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