Unknown RAF cloth plaque ?

[Rob Miller]

A new find, the seller told me he had obtained this photo and "badge" together but they may not have always been together.

The "badge" is a piece of fabric covered board measuring just over 5 inch's by 4 inch's and from the less faded back is more blue than grey.

Please note I will probably move this on as It doesn't fit into my collecting field but I was intrigued.

Any suggestions welcome.

Rob

[manchesters]

Could it be part of a car pennant or station flag, cut down as a souvenir for 269 Squadron RAF.

regards

[wardog]

Number worn in a prisoner of war camp? (guess) Regards, Paul.

[Rob Miller]

Hi Simon, I don't think so, the stitching on the numerals appears to go right through the board in the centre, so the number was presumably sewn on last?

Rob

[High Wood]

An interesting photograph as the chap on the far right of the 3rd row back appears to be of West Indian heritage. A great many West Indians served in the R.A.F. during WW2 and he may be relatively easy to identify. I believe that the I.W.M. have an on-going project to record their contribution to the war effort. It may be worth contacting them.

[Rob Miller]

Several of them appear to be wearing medal ribbons, would this indicate it could be a post war picture?

Is that a Pathfinder badge below the medal ribbons on the chap in the 3rd picture?

I have been wondering if the plaque could be a temporary vehicle marking, the safety pin would allow it to be pinned to a vehicle tilt.

Rob

[High Wood]

If they are indeed in 269 Squadron RAF the picture could have been taken slightly post war. This, below, was lifted from wiki.

1944 - 1946

No. 269 Squadron completed its deployment to RAF Lagens in the Azores with its Hudson Mk IIIA, Martinet, Walrus and Spitfire Mk V aircraft. The short-range aircraft were launched off the escort aircraft carrier HMS Premier. Later in October, some Warwick aircraft were added to the squadron. For the rest of the war it flew air-sea rescue missions, as well as meteorlogical and target towing sorties. Following the end of World War II, No. 269 Squadron was disbanded on 10 March 1946.

However, the 269 link may be a red herring as 269 Squadron were a maritime patrol unit.

Simon

[High Wood]

The Officer in the third photograph is wearing the ribbon of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

[David Tremain]

The Navigator with the "tash" and DFC is definitely a Pathfinder from the eagle on his breast pocket. Hardly something that a maritime squadron would be doing, unless he was posted out of a Pathfinder squadron to rest.

I wonder what the significance of the WAAFs is, unless they were ground crew, although unlikely, I think. Can't see any communications badges on their sleeves, only LACW badges, so not some sort of RAF intercept station. Why would they be posing with the aircrew?

David

[Chacal]

If it is a radar site they may simply have not wanted a lot of scruffy engineers spoiling their nice photo (I was a radar mechanic, later technician (though not during the war!) and far from the smartest airman!).

Could be a station MT section (as 5 of the WAAFs are wearing slacks)? If post war perhaps the officers are no longer being employed as aircrew, but as 'managers' until they are demobbed?

Just my thoughts anyway

Graham

[SAS1]

I've got a near identical badge but longer in the form of an armband and I've seen a third (with differing numbers). Not sure what they are but mine came with a load of air cadet stuff, and I think the third was too. I've always thought it was used as a sort of officials armband during the big rallys, exhibitions or open days.

[Rob Miller]

Thanks SAS1 that does seem to be a very logical answer, and I had completely forgotten about your previous thread on the subject.

http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...=cadet+armband

Rob

[SAS1]

So had I Rob!