Talk:List of RAF squadron codes

USAAF codes

During WW2, the USAAF also used similar squadron codes. There does not seem to be any info on them on Wikipedia. Anyone up to creating the List of USAAF Squadron Codes? Mjroots (talk) 07:48, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

References

I can'tfind any references to verify this entry, can anyone help?

| DU || No. 22 (RCAF) Squadron RAF || 22 (RCAF) Sqn.

Petebutt (talk) 01:55, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

Further, this claim: "Squadron codes Data from: Flying Units of the RAF[1]" apart from being in the wrong place, is patently incorrect. Lake is known to be incomplete as regards markings. As a single example, the AO code shown for 211 Squadron in the table is certainly not from Lake. That code was not shown for any period by Lake, publishing in 1999. In fact the squadron id letters AO appeared on the Squadron's Hawker Hinds in the Middle East from October 1938 (when RAF units took up war-time markings with the prospect of war ariing from the Munich Crisis. A more likely, more complete and more reliable overall source is Flintham and Thomas "Combat Codes" edn 2 2008 (Pen & Sword).

Single Letters?

Some of the single letter "squadron codes" should be removed. Some of these are actually individual aircraft codes. Many of the Fighter Recon Squadrons never carried two letter squadron codes, only unique single letters for each individual aircraft. The single digit codes are fine, as for a period in 1943-44, RAF Coastal Command stopped using two letter squadron codes and instead had each station identify their squadrons by a single digit number. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Camal697 (talk • contribs) 03:35, 14 August 2013 (UTC)

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Codes used more than once

Why are there duplicates in the list? Were these at different times, in different theatres? 2A02:2788:11A8:34:E2CB:4EFF:FE88:1A2D (talk) 14:52, 31 October 2022 (UTC)

Squadron coloured bars post WW2 insignia

Would be acceptable to include the RAF post Second World War insignia (1950's onwards) next to the squadron names?

For example: adding the insigna on the end of "JX - No. 1 Squadron RAF - 1 Sqn"

Or even a new section added on showing the insignia bars? Since in service Typhoon use the markings Gavbadger (talk) 18:00, 28 August 2024 (UTC)

An improved explanation? And a new image.

I am proposing an edit to the introduction to these lists in an attempt to provide a better explanation of exactly how these codes are applied. This is based purely on personal observations, both in real life and from images viewed in books and on-line. As such it will not require new citations; I am simply stating the obvious, or at least what would be obvious if you had seen as many examples as I have.

Firstly, let's address the intro as it stands;

Most units of the Royal Air Force (RAF) are identified by a two character alphabetical or alpha- numeric combination squadron code.

This is wrong in several aspects. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of any current RAF squadron that uses codes, but I cannot pin down exactly when they fell out of fashion. IIRC the heyday for codes was WWII and the Cold War years that immediately followed. The other aspect was that they were more common on combat aircraft (fighters and bombers), and less obvious on transport or training aircraft. I am sure there will be exceptions to these 'rules'.

The squadron code is usually presented along with an individual letter or character to form a call sign for the particular aircraft. Location of the call sign combination has usually been on the rear fuselage next to the RAF roundel.

Spitfire MH434 displaying 'ZD-B’ on the left hand side

Spitfire MH434 displaying 'B-ZD’ on the right hand side

This is broadly correct, although I would like to qualify the location as being 'either side of the RAF roundel'. But I do not mean either on the left, or on the right, I mean 'straddling' the roundel. So, is there a better way of expressing that idea? Or is it clear enough to everyone?

SpitfireIX 2 611Sqn Biggin Hill 1943

The other issue arises from different presentations depending on which side of the aircraft is viewed. The same Spitfire might be painted up with 222 sqdn code 'ZD-B' on the left hand side, and 'B-ZD' on the right. Either way, the aircraft would always be described as wearing codes 'ZD-B'.

Exceptions abound, particularly for types where the fuselage is long enough that the standard presentation can be painted on both sides of the fuselage without compromising the aircraft serial. Or both sides featuring the 'reverse' presentation. Or just the individual identity letter with the squadron code omitted (or erased by a wartime censor?).

First off, I am going to change the lead image for one that shows at least two aircraft from the same squadron, ensuring that everybody can appreciate the common (squadron) code as opposed to the individual (aircraft) code. I believe the new image of two Spitfires, 'FY-F' and 'FY-R', illustrates both points quite clearly.

Any comments? WendlingCrusader (talk) 02:38, 5 November 2024 (UTC)