Pre-War RAF Squadron colours

[Smithy]

Good question Alex.

I have no info on that and this is just my guess, but maybe it was an "extension" of WWI markings. By 1918 most RFC/RNAS/RAF squadrons had individual squadron markings of geometric shapes, lines/stripes, circles etc. With less rigorous peacetime duties perhaps these were merely elaborated further.

Perhaps someone else can shed some more light on this.

[alex crawford]

Hi,

That's one theory. I have read, can't remember exactly where, that in order to improve squadron spirit, comradeship, morale, competitiveness etc squadrons were encouraged to adorn their aircraft with colourful markings.

In 1926 the Air Ministry encouraged squadrons to choose a badge and motto for themselves. The official crests did not appear until about 1936.

43 Sqn's black/white checks did not appear until the Gamecocks arrived in March 1926. Although the squadron history written by J Beedle explains the reason behind their nickname, The Fighting Cocks, he doesn't know how the markings came about.

Alex