R.A.F. Badge: Fighter Squadron 72 (Original)

Artist: 20th Century unidentified artist
Medium: Watercolour on Paper
Size: 8" x 12" (210mm x 300mm)
Date: c. 1950
Code: 20thRAFSq72

This is the unique original Watercolour painting by artist unknown.

This is a very rare original painting by an unknown artist, produced for an unpublished run of cigarette cards featuring R.A.F. badges, most likely by John Player & Sons Cigarettes.

This artwork features the badge of the R.A.F. Fighter Squadron 72.

The RAF Fighter Squadron 72 motto was "Swift". This motto is also reflected in the squadron's badge, which features a swift volant (a flying swift bird) symbolizing speed.

RAF Fighter Squadron 72, currently No. 72 (B) Squadron, is a basic jet training unit at RAF Valley, flying the Beechcraft Texan T1. Nicknamed "Basutoland" for donated aircraft, it has a storied history dating back to WWI in the Middle East, becoming a renowned Spitfire fighter squadron during WWII, flying operations in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, and even participating in the Battle of Britain.

After the war, it flew early jet fighters and later helicopters, before transitioning to a training role in the 21st century.