RAF No 613 City of Manchester Squadron 1945 Hm silver badge

A rare original circa 1945 Royal Auxiliary Air Force large pattern 'RAF No 613 City of Manchester Squadron pin badge' the centre displaying two wings conjoined at base, 'fleur de lis' within, with Latin motto 'Semper parati' ( Always ready ), the reverse impressed with Birmingham silver hallmarks for 1945 and maker's details 'Thomas Fattorini Limited Birmingham'. Very good condition, complete with original substantial pin fittings.
Height 42mm.
Due to heavy construction and stout pin fitting it is possible following the practice of other Squadrons that this badge was worn unofficially on the pocket of Battledress Uniform.
'613 (City of Manchester) Squadron' RAF was formed in February 1939 as an Army Co-operation Squadron based at RAF Ringway Manchester. In April 1940 it converted to the Westland Lysander and saw support operations to the besieged troops at Calais undertaking close support bombing operations and food drops. In 1941 it changed role to tactical reconnaissance converting to fighter aircraft including the Mustang and in 1943 changed its role once again to night intrusion sorties and daylight precision bombing with the De Havilland Mosquito. During the early post war years it operated from it’s original base RAF Ringway flying Spitfires FR 14’s and later MK22’s.

Code: 65141