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  #1  
Old 06-09-22, 08:55 PM
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Default 4ATAF Royal Flush Patches

At the peak of the Cold War and NATO years of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, the various Air Forces of the European Allies held a friendly but fierce competition to test the skills of the pilots, ground based photo interrupters (PI’s) and the aerial proficiency of Reconnaissance Squadrons, in an annual exercise code named, “Royal Flush”. During this period the RCAF, the US 12th AF, Southern Germany and the French formed a sub-unit labelled 4ATAF (Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force) and their more northern counterparts of Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany (north of the city of Kassel), the 2ATAF.

As the aerial photo-reconnaissance or recce role gained importance to NATO, this competition did likewise. At its peak, it was the largest such exercise in the free world.

The Royal Flush patches illustrated here are from the years 1966, (RF XI), 1968 (RF XIII) and 1969 (RF XIV), a period which also has personal sentimental value as these were also the years I was fortunate enough to be a “brat” at 4 Wing, Baden–Söllingen. Typically of this era, Canada would be represented by aircraft from the CF-104 recce squadrons 439 and 441, which were equipped with the Vicron photographic units. These were mounted in the 8 foot pod under the belly of the aircraft and contained four Vinten F-95 70mm cameras.

The year 1966 marked the first year that the RCAF incorporated the Vicon’s in a Royal Flush exercise, although they had been adapted the year before for the RCAF Starfighters. In 1967, after France’s withdrawal from the military structure of NATO, 1 Wing Marville was moved to a former French Air Force base at Lahr, West Germany. Outstanding success was achieved in the 1969 Royal Flush competition where 441 Sqn placed first overall and 439 only slightly behind in 2nd place. 439 also boasted the best overall individual score of all pilots, by Capt. Scott Clements. After this time, the importance to Canada of their recon role became less emphasized although the Royal Flush competitions continued up to 1975.
Further and more detailed information can be found here:
1) http://www.c-and-e-museum.org/marvil...other-212.html and,
2) https://www.i-f-s.nl/recce-meets/

This group of patches is rarely seen and it’s not clear to me if they were available to all member countries of the 4ATAF or only made specifically for the Canadians. Either way, precious few can be found. I’m on the hunt for a similar patch illustrated with Hearts but I’m not even certain if it was ever made (possibly for 1967?) Any photographic evidence of a crew member wearing any of these patches would be most welcome. Comments and corrections on the above would be appreciated too.
?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 4ATAF Royal Flush Patche set (BBF).jpg (84.6 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg 4ATAF Royal Flush XI, 1966.jpg (112.6 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg 4ATAF Royal Flush XIII, 1968.jpg (95.7 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg 4ATAF Royal Flush XIV, 1969.jpg (109.1 KB, 5 views)
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Old 06-09-22, 09:18 PM
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Was not aware of it... but do learn something new everyday!

I found these may be of interest. No sound with it, but some interesting film of some grand old birds. have to love the USAF 100 series planes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIifIN1XEgk

https://www.thunderstreaks.com/exerc...une-14th-1973/

https://www.thunderstreaks.com/exerc...may-14th-1970/

https://archives.nato.int/uploads/r/...69_ENG_PDP.pdf

https://www.airforcemag.com/PDF/Maga.../0964usafe.pdf

And not Royal Flush, but still some great old birds!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvhlj55iwaA

Terry
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Old 03-10-22, 09:04 PM
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Thanks for your research and links Terry, several I hadn't seen. Sorry for my delay in replying too.

Best wishes,
Wayne
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