Question on Squadron Lettering

[Aidan Degg]

Apologies if this is a really stupid or obvious question – I’ve noticed in some photos that the way the lettering is arranged isn’t always consistent. For example, if I’m wanting to do FY squadron, I’ve seen in some photos the lettering reads, say FY-D, but I’ve also seen some that would read D-FY. At first I thought maybe it was the convention that it was mirrored on one side, so to speak, but what gave me pause for thought is that I’ve seen both on the same side of aircraft. (i.e in some picture the squadron number comes first on the left hand side of the plane and in others on the right). I was just wondering if anyone could help me figure out what this means (if anything).

Not massively important in the grand scheme of things, but it piqued my curiosity

Cheers!

[Nat]

RAF … it was down to the maintenance crew…

https ://  http://www.rafweb.org/  Squadrons/  Sqn%20Markings/  sqn_codes.htm

(remove spaces after / ‘s)

but basically

1. Code letters. Code letters are carried by Service types in operational units and operational training units.  The two Code letters and one letter to indicate individual aircraft are to be painted in grey paint and placed before and behind the roundels on the fuselage.  The code and individual letters may be placed two before and one behind the roundels or vice versa.  The letters are to be 48 in. high and are to be made up of strokes 6 in. in width.  Smaller letters are to be used only when the space available on the fuselage makes such a course unavoidable.

   EDIT – PS – FY is No.4 Sqn:  originally army co-operation, after fall of france they were search and rescue before re-equipping to fighters in 42

• This reply was modified 1 month ago by Nat.

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