RAF No 652 Squadron Royal Air Force badge circa 1940s

A rare original 1942 to 1953 period King George VI crowned 'RAF No 652 Squadron gilt and enamel badge' depicting gun barrel across conjoined wings with Latin motto "Sive aere sive campo" (In the air and in the field); the reverse with maker's details "H.W.Miller Ltd Branston St B'Ham.18. Very good condition, retaining original pin fittings, enamel perfect gilt finish remains bright.
Height 33mm.

652 Squadron Royal Air Force was formed on 1 May 1942 as a close support Army Co-operation Squadron operating the Auster aircraft. It was one of the first RAF Squadrons to operate in France following the D-Day ladings arriving in Normandy on 7 June 1944, D+1. The squadron supported the Second Army and followed it as it advanced across north-western Europe and into Germany. Following the end of the war the squadron became part of the occupation forces, and was still in Germany when it left the RAF and became part of the Army Air Corps in September 1957.