Insignia, Eagle Squadrons, Royal Air Force, American Volunteers

Extremely rare genuine WWII British shoulder sleeve insignia, designed for the Eagle Squadrons of the Royal Air Force.

Before their country formally entered the war in December 1941, over 9,500 U.S. citizens volunteered in the British and Commonwealth air forces, including some 8,900 in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Two-thirds of the 750 Americans who had joined the Royal Air Force went on to serve in various units following the operational needs, yet the British authorities also established three specific units intended for gathering some of these foreign nationals: the now famous Eagle Squadrons.

Created in September 1940, during the Battle of Britain, No. 71 Squadron was soon followed by No. 121 Squadron in May 1941, and No. 133 Squadron in July of that year. When they eventually transferred to the USAAF in September 1942, these three units became 334th, 335th and 336th Fighter Squadrons respectively, thus forming 4th Fighter Group and bringing some precious combat experience to the 8th Air Force, which had only been in Britain for a couple of months.

All in all, 244 American volunteers saw service in the Eagle Squadrons, and 77 lost their lives in service.

Very good, worn condition; still sewn — the piece of cloth has been cut off the uniform.