RAF Gaydon Tation Plaque

Another fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. Royal Air Force Station Gaydon opened in 1942 and the airfield was used extensively during the Second World War and was immediately occupied by No. 12 Operational Training Unit (OTU) as a satellite of RAF Chipping Warden operating Vickers Wellingtons and Avro Ansons, training pilots from a number of Allied nations, but mainly Canadian, Czech and New Zealanders. The OTU took newly qualified crew members and taught them how to fly on operations. The airfield was also used by No. 22 OTU from July who conducted bombing and air sea rescue operations helping to aid the allied war effort. A small unit the No. 312 Ferry Training Unit RAF (FTU) was deployed at Gaydon training pilots to be employed in ferrying aircraft overseas.

Post war it was the first RAF station to receive the Vickers Valiant when No. 138 Squadron RAF re-formed here in 1955. In 1978 the airfield was bought by British Leyland and with the subsequent development of vehicle test facilities, the site became home to what was then known as BL Technology.

The plaque features Gaydon crest, that is surmounted by a Queens Crown and below a hand painted ram and the Latin motto 'Virimus Vigaemus' that translates to 'Let us flourish through strength'. The crest was authorised by Queen Elizabeth 11 in October 1956. It is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a recessed brass wall hanger and it is also embossed 'Made in Gt Britain'. The shield measures 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm) We believe this plaque dates from the Cold War period. A hard to find squadron plaque so grab the opportunity to add to the collection whilst you can!