RAF 192 Special Duties 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. 192 Squadron was formed at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire on 5th September 1917 as a night training squadron with the RFC operating the Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2. The squadron moved to Newmarket, Suffolk in 1918 but was disbanded in December of that year. It was reformed 4th January 1943 at RAF Gransden Lodge was re-numbered 192 (Special Duties) Squadron and was part of 100 Group. It operated specially modified Vickers Wellingtons and De Havilland Mosquitos and were tasked with the development, testing and operational use of electronic warfare. They flew operations recording German radio transmissions and blocking Radar using 'Window'. They even had German speaking airmen able to put out false transmissions and during bomber raids their aircraft would provide countermeasures against German radars. The squadron disbanded at the end of the Second World War on 22nd August 1945 but went on to form the basis of the Central Signals Establishment and the Radio Warfare Establishment. Post war the squadron reformed at RAF Watton on 15th July 1951, as part of that same Central Signals Establishment for Operational Signals Research. The squadron continued with its traditional Electronic Signals Intelligence role, operating the Boeing Washington and English Electric Canberra and the Comet. The squadron finally disbanded on 21st August 1958.

This period plaque is in traditional form, with a metal hand painted badge featuring a large Kings Crown with the squadron crest below that features and owls head behind a lightning bolt and the motto below "Dare to Discover". The badge symbolises the unit's functions of investigating enemy radio transmissions. The shield is made from oak, with the basge bolted to it and to the reverse is stamped the makers details T. M. Lewin & Sons Ltd, 103, Jermyn St, London, SW 1. Suprisngl;y this firm is still in business, operating as a men's taylor from the very same address! Lewin was established in 1898 when Thomas Mayes Lewin in partnership with Geoffrey James Lewin, opened the first T. M. Lewin store in Panton Street, London. Shortly afterwards the partnership moved and T. M. Lewin established themselves in Jermyn Street, the home of English shirt making, in 1903, where they have operated from ever since. The Imperial War museum has a Lewin RAF plaque in its collection. This example measures 9" x 6.5" (23 cm x 17 cm).Other than minor age related wear, it is in remarkably good original condition. A very fine and hard to find plaque to a Special Duties Squadron and almost certainly of WWII vintage ; with the festive season approaching would be an excellent stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life.