RAF 303rd Squadron badge

I find plenty of info on the 303rd Polish Fighter Squadron of the RAF and this is definitly their symbol. But can anyone share anymore info on the badge?


This on line image shows an officer wearing the badge.

[Gary Jucha]

K and S

Part of the hallmark should read K and S.

This stands for Kirkwood and Sons. Edinburgh.

Gary J.

Definitly English silver touch marks looking at it closer now. Looks more like AP or AF maker though.

[Antoni Zawadzki]

But can anyone share anymore info on the badge? [/IMG]

Hi Andrew,

In addition to the K&S marked badges are the versions like yours which have marks that appear to be the letters “AP”. These ones are typically serial numbered whereas the K&S marked badges are not. I suspect that the “AP” marked badges are in fact produced by Kirkwood & Sons as the badge obverse details appear virtually identical. My guess is that these “AP” serial numbered versions may be the early official issues. It’s purely a guess and I will leave it up to the experts to comment further.

Also, while not necessarily error free, the Sawicki / Wielechowski reference (pg.529) pictures a serial numbered “AP” hallmarked badge and identifies it as a Kirkwood & Sons product.

Regards,
Tony

[Antoni Zawadzki]

Furtherto my earlier post, here’s a composite pic showing the obverse view of both “AP” and “K&S” hallmarked badges. The one on the bottom is the “AP” badge.

T.

I appreciate all the information! Is there any sales history on these, value? This piece came in as part of a larger group and there is more to come but I'm beginning to suspect that though the group is right the man might not have been with this unit.

[Antoni Zawadzki]

The 303rd Squadron badges are particularly desirable due to the remarkable history of this unit. The 2003 release of "A Question of Honor: The Kosciuszko Squadron, The Forgotten Heroes of World War Two" certainly didn't hurt the the market value (a superb book by the way and highly recommended reading for all WW2 history buffs). In the past several years I have seen five of these badges sell fetching prices ranging between 1200 -1800 USD.

Please post pics of the other items that came along with this badge!

Regards,
Tony

http://www.wartimecollectables.com/hudy6.jpg

This blouse came in the group. It appears all original I'm just not yet 100% sure the 303rd badge, though original, is original to the blouse. There is a thin sterling i.d. tag sewn into the collar that reads WALTER HUDY. Research and further material from the collection as it arrives will help answer questions.

[Old Smelly]

Hi Andrew,

In addition to the K&S marked badges are the versions like yours which have marks that appear to be the letters “AP”. These ones are typically serial numbered whereas the K&S marked badges are not. I suspect that the “AP” marked badges are in fact produced by Kirkwood & Sons as the badge obverse details appear virtually identical. My guess is that these “AP” serial numbered versions may be the early official issues. It’s purely a guess and I will leave it up to the experts to comment further.

Also, while not necessarily error free, the Sawicki / Wielechowski reference (pg.529) pictures a serial numbered “AP” hallmarked badge and identifies it as a Kirkwood & Sons product.

Regards,
Tony

Hi
the K&S badge bears the Edinburgh hallmark for 1945, whilst the AP has a Birmingham hallmark for 1941 so definately the earlier issue. Nice group of items, Hudy could have been a UK officer attached to the Poles, looks like his badge was worn on the right as opposed to left as with Polish airmen.
Lee

Thanks Lee,
Hudy is apparently an American as there is a 9th AAF tunic as well. The paperwork is still coming
Andrew

[3 DSK]

Did you have any of those badges? In that case this might be of help.

Badge number 49 went to: Corporal Antoni Rossochacki

Badge number 261 was issued to: Corporal Hieronim Michalak

Cheers,
Jacek

Did you have any of those badges? In that case this might be of help.
Badge number 49 went to: Corporal Antoni Rossochacki
Badge number 261 was issued to: Corporal Hieronim Michalak
Cheers,
Jacek

Jacek,
What is the source of the attribution? Badge 49 is the one that came with this group.
Andrew

[3 DSK]

Original 303 HQ protocol:

[3 DSK]

And for the badge nr. 49

Excellent!!!