posted 06-14- 11:35 PM               

1. What were the official WW2 "names" given to aircraft based on their individual aircraft code. Some photo captions I have occasionally say "S-Sugar" and "O-Orange" and I would just like to know about the rest of the alphabet. There were of course variations, but I am just interested in the "Default" list.

2. When it came to Commonwealth air forces, I always thought that the number was unique. For instance, if there was a 405 Squadron, RCAF, there was no 405 Squadron, RAF, and vice versa. However, I have recently come across references to things like No. 1 Squadron, RAAF, and I know there was/is a No. 1 Squadron, RAF. What was the deal?

If either question is not clear, please let me know and I'll try to clarify.

posted 06-15- 02:30 AM               

WRT Sqn numbering. Replication between Commonwealth Airforces did not occur if the (eg) RAAF Sqn came under command of the RAF - such as in the UK.

However, if the RAAFs Sqn was out side of this Theatre, such as the African or Pacific Theatre's and were likely under national command, number replication was not considered a problem.

In addition some Sqns were established long before the commencement of WW2 and had already established a long and proud history. In the case of 1 Sqn RAAF, they were originaly formed as 1 Sqn Australian Flying Corps (ie an Army unit) during WW1.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

AGAS 5

posted 06-15- 11:42 AM               

The reason I think that ther might have been a "default list" for call signs is two-fold. First, I have seen different aircraft of different types in varied books referred to as the same call sign when they share the same individual aircraft code letter. Second, I recall reading recently something like "This aircraft was known as M-Mickey due to its Mickey Mouse nose art rather than the usual M-Mike", or words to that effect.

If it did exist, this is a partial list of what it might have looked like as far as I can tell:

A - Apple
B - Baker
C - Charlie
D - Dog
F - Freddy
G - Guard or George
J - Johnny or Jig
K - King
M - Mike
N - Nuts
O - Orange
Q - Queenie
S - Sugar

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3dp
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posted 06-15- 01:54 PM               

three letters your never going to use!

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