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Old 05-03-22, 12:26 PM
jilbat jilbat is offline
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Default 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 ??
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Old 05-03-22, 01:28 PM
Hawthorn Hawthorn is offline
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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.
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Old 06-03-22, 06:08 PM
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Padre Padre is offline
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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.
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Old 07-03-22, 08:04 AM
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High Wood High Wood is offline
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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.
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Old 07-03-22, 09:36 AM
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mike_vee mike_vee is offline
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Any connection to Bristol (Blenheim/Beaufighter ) ?

Quote:
Alfred the Gorilla (c.?1928 – 9 March 1948) arrived at Bristol Zoo, England, in 1930 and became a popular attraction and animal celebrity. His fame grew to international proportions during World War II and after his death he remained an important mascot for the city of Bristol.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_the_Gorilla

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