WW2 South African Air Force 11th Squadron Wooden Plaque

[Chrisvo]

This is an interest piece. Quite large. Very well crafted. Was it a gift or something more.? Either way, it's nice to hang it above my display case. 

 

Anyone have more information they could share with me on its origin.. thank you.

Edited October 22, 2021 by Chrisvo

[Michael Johnson]

If I had to hazard a guess, the die is meant to represent a Squadron number, but whether it is 11, 56, or 65 is beyond me.

 

Probably 11 Sqn., as i don't see either of the others in the list of SAAF Squadrons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11_Squadron_SAAF

 

It also fits, as the background looks like a map of Italy; 11 Sqn. served there September 1944 to August 1945.

 

Michael

Edited October 25, 2021 by Michael Johnson

[Rusty Greaves]

 

Above is a South African Air Force pin matching the design on the wooden plaque that Chrisvo illustrated in the first post on this thread. This pin measures maximally 26 mm wide (wingtip to wingtip), the round medallion body is 12 mm, and the thickness is ~1 mm. The soldered stickpin measures 40 mm long. This example is unmarked, but was made by Fahmy Tewfik Bichay of Cairo (the dealer obtained this and other pins from Bichay after he emigrated to Canada). I am seeking some additional information to try and confirm the squadron association. 

Edited October 25, 2021 by Rusty Greaves

[Chrisvo]

Hi Gentlemen,

 

Yes, it is 11th Squadron of the SAAF. That much I know. Trying to find out what the plaque may have been used for. 

 

The following pictures below are from the book.

 

Van Schalkwyk, Piet and Marshall William 2000. South African Colours and Markings Volume 1 Number 2, Colours and Markings Publications, Pretoria.

[Michael Johnson]

Personal memento, I would think, and made post-War, given the level of craftsmanship in wings and map.  Not the sort of thing the local Ordnance Company could knock out.

 

Michael