blazer badge iraq raf ?

[ncc]

anyone know this badge.
Bob

[conservator]

Bob,
I think that this is the blazer badge for Aircraft Depot Iraq. This unit was based at RAF Habbaniya, Iraq from about 1937/8 to September 1942, when it moved to RAF Shaibah, Iraq. It consisted of two large workshops, probably one engine and one airframe; I suspect your badge relates to the engine workshop judging by the design.
Whilst at RAF Shaibah, the Aircraft Depot was responsible for the assembly and delivery of Spitfires to the Russians. I think the Aircraft Depot became part of No.119 Maintenance Unit later in 1942.
George

[Mike Jackson]

Excellent research. It's probably the only time that a crankshaft has featured in British armed forces heraldry.

Some excellent images of RAF Habbaniya and the Guardforce here:

http://balmaha.net/mnavy/raf_habbaniya.html