Red Enamel Shooting Star

[mojob123]

Hi. Can anyone ID this shooting star badge? I'm sure I've seen it before somewhere. Appro 45mm long with screw posts to rear. Thanks, Mike

[conservator]

Mike,
This is the metal/enamel unit badge for 2 Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Belgian Air Force, possibly from the 1970s or 1980s.
2 Squadron flew the Mirage 5BA from Florennes, in Belgium.

The insignia was first used on the aircraft of 5 Jachtsmaldeel in 1917.
In 1918, the squadron was redesignated 10 Smaldeel; then, in 1926, 1 Jachtsmaldeel. This squadron, equipped with the Gloster Gladiator at the outbreak of WW2, was designated 1 Fighter Squadron/ 1 Group/ 2 Aviation Regt in 1940. Later, from April 1946, it became 352 Sqn/ 161 Wing, RAF, with Spitfire XIVs; then, from 1 Nov 1947, 2 Fighter-Bomber Squadron/ 2 Tactical Wing, still with the Spitfire at Florennes, where it remained, converting to the Mirage 5BA in 1971. It later converted to the F-16, still at Florennes.
2 Sqn with its red shooting star, has the motto 'Ut Fulgur Sulca Aethera' (Cleave the air like lightning).
George

[dumdum]

Nice badge.

I see that it suffers from a slight case of "I wonder if I can straighten this back" with the flaking to the enamel just below the star but, hey, it is well near 40 years old...

[mojob123]

"This is the metal/enamel unit badge for 2 Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Belgian Air Force, possibly from the 1970s or 1980s."

Hi George, many thanks for info! I sold some WW2/post war era Belgian Air Force breast pocket badges a couple of years back and got massively side tracked looking into the history of the Belgians with the RAF. Fascinating stuff. I must have come across it then. I will be moving it on as it's not part of my collecting interests if you know anyone who might be interested.

Yes dumdum, a lack of basic understanding of the friability of enamel has wrecked many a good badge unfortunately! All the best, Mike

[mojob123]

Trying to work out what might be a reasonable amount to put this badge up for on the forum. Is this a red herring? I appreciate it it's in much better condition than mine and has the rear spinners, but did the bidders know what they were buying? Best regards, Mike

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1939-40-b...p2047675.l2557

[mike_vee]

Two bidders both wanting the badge pushed the price up from £24.00 to £42.00 , I'm guessing (going on feedback numbers) that both were experienced buyers and knew exactly what they were buying.

With your badge , the rear spinners (nuts) would not be that big a deal as replacements can easily be found but the damaged enamel would probably put off a lot of buyers and seriously reduce the value.

.

[Just]

Hello

the price is high

the seller, saying 1939/40, is dishonest

cordially
Didier

http://www.bemil.be/LUC-2W2S.htm

[mojob123]

Hi Mike and Didier! Many thanks for replies. I will list as post war 70s/80s and damaged for a tenner and open to offers and see how it goes. Many thanks, Mike