Hi Woofy , I was busy making my post that I didn't check if you had posted in the meantime but once I'd posted I saw the details in yours.
As the thread concerns the ROC I was expecting to be " shot down" when more experienced members (yourself and Jon) joined in.
At least now there is a reasonable timeline :
December 1941 - new uniform approved.
February 1942 - Photo of new uniform
July 1942 - Air Commodore Ambler submitted report about training:
"In his opinion , proficiency badges should be instituted , one for attainment of elementary and one for an advanced standard."
December 1943 - First Master Test.
So , a bit of "Mike's lateral thinking" , is it possible that the A.C's ideas were being formented at the time the new uniforn was being introduced and that there was mention of the "Spitfire" badge ?
When the photo was being set up perhaps a bit of 'artistic licence' was employed and a 'generic' badge was used for purely 'illustrative' purposes?
P.S - I'm happy to be 'shot down' again as it is part of the learning curve and also produces some excellent replies which contain first class information.