RAF No 71 Squadron Royal Air Force badge c1940

A rare original circa 1940's period 'Royal Air Force No 71 Eagle Squadron gilt and enamel badge', depicting a bald-headed eagle motif and motto "First from the Eyries", the reverse with maker's details "H.W.Miller Ltd Branston St. B'Ham.18". Very good condition, retaining original pin fittings, enamel perfect.
Height 33mm.

Royal Air Force 71 (Eagle) Squadron was the original “Eagle” Squadron formed to accommodate American Volunteers who had joined the RAF. Formed at Church Fenton in September 1940 it flew Hawker Hurricane Fighters. A few original members were veterans of the campaign in France the majority fresh “off the Boat”. The squadron became operational in February 1941 and later converted to Spitfires. After America’s entry into the war, on the 29th September 1942, the Squadron was transferred to the 4th Pursuit Group, US Army Air Force as the 334th Pursuit Squadron and ceased to be an RAF unit.