Handley Page Halifax but which Squadron?

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by High Wood, Aug 28, 2017.

  1. High Wood

    High Wood Well-Known Member

    This is a detail from a recently purchased photograph which may help to identify the individual aircraft and Squadron. There are no serial numbers or Squadron codes visible in the photograph. However, this aircraft appears to have taken part in 57 missions over enemy territory, two of which are symbolised by the representation of the medal ribbons of the DFC and DFM. Another mission is represented by a key between the number 22. There is also some nose art in the form of Pegasus with the motto, Nocte Volamus (We fly by night).

    Is it possible that someone can identify this aircraft please? Malvern 013.JPG
     
  2. Orwell1984

    Orwell1984 Senior Member

    Not much help but here's another Halifax from 102 Squadron with a key symbol for its 21st mission:
    [​IMG]
     
  3. High Wood

    High Wood Well-Known Member

    Many thanks for uploading your Halifax photograph. The key makes perfect sense to represent the 21st mission and I suspect that the key in my photograph actually has 21 rather than 22, but it is very difficult to see due to the size of the photograph.

    There were three other photographs that came with this one, they show ground crew 'bombing up' the Halifax. They may be a Rugby or Coventry connection with the original owner of the photographs.
     
  4. High Wood

    High Wood Well-Known Member

    This one is the most interesting in that the message on the bomb could give a clue as to the Squadron.

    The message reads: Reprisals. From Chain Garage. This one for the smashed window. 45. Malvern 015.JPG
     
  5. AlanW

    AlanW Senior Member

    Having enlarged and enhanced the photo, it appears to say...For the showroom window.
     
  6. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    I can show it around for you to see if some of the Bomber boys on Fb can identify it for you!
    Let me know!

    Cheers
    Geoff
     
  7. ozzy16

    ozzy16 Well-Known Member

    The 2 blue oblong shapes you highlighted in photo 1,
    I have seen a photo of a Lancaster with the same oblong shape on the side of the fuselage,along with its bombing sorties.

    Lancaster 111 ED731 AS-T2 (166 squadron) This aircraft completed more than 70 sorties, before being lost 24/25 March 1944.
    I will try and find the photo.

    Graham.
     
  8. ozzy16

    ozzy16 Well-Known Member

    deleted.
     

    Attached Files:

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  9. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    The 2 blue oblong shapes you highlighted in photo 1 - are they not symbols for DFC/DFM

    [​IMG]
    DFC


    [​IMG]
    DFM



    TD
     
  10. ozzy16

    ozzy16 Well-Known Member

    deleted
     
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2019
  11. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    No 9 Squadron had the motto "Per noctem volamus" but flew Wellingtons then Lancasters, NOT Halifaxes....
    As the motto isn't exactly the same, I suspect someone used a similar motto for their individual aircraft
     

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