RAF 220 Squadron Plaque

Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. No. 220 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was founded in 1918 but was finally disbanded in 1963 after four separate periods of service, in both the First and Second World Wars, as a maritime patrol unit, and finally as part of Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent.

The squadron predated the formation of the RAF and was founded as a unit of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), although it did not receive its '220' designation until September 1918 but was then disbanded in 1919. In the build-up to WWII 220 was reformed in 1936 and was designated a general reconnaissance squadron, on maritime patrol duties, flying Avro Anson multi-role aircraft, operating from RAF Thornaby in Yorkshire, as part of No. 18 Group. In November 1939, it converted to Lockheed Hudson, a maritime patrol aircraft and began a new role, flying anti-shipping operations. February 1942 saw the introduction of the Boeing Fortress, and flying from Northern Ireland and then, in March 1943, moved to RAF Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. In October 1943 the squadron transferred to RAF Lagens, in the Azores, as a unit of No. 247 Group. In December 1944, it was re-equipped with Consolidators Liberators flying anti-submarine patrols over the North Atlantic. The squadron was was disbanded again in 1946.

This period plaque is in traditional form with a metal hand painted badge featuring a large Kings Crown with the squadron crest and the motto below "ΚΑΘΟΡΩΜΕΝ ΑΙΣΤΟΙ", a Greek legend meaning "We Observe Unseen". The badge was approved by King George VI in August 1940. This example measures 7" x 6" (17.5 cm x 15 cm).Other than minor age related wear, is in remarkably good original conditionand retins a wall hanging recess to the back of the shield.