15  South Africa – Rare ’31 Squadron’ WW2 SAAF Enamel Lapel Badge

This original rare WW2 enamel badge was worn by the South African Air Force ‘No.31 Squadron’, a heavy bomber squadron based in the Mediterranean. The badge depicts an owl in relief flying among two search light beams, with two dice, showing a three and a one, above and a small bomb below marked ‘SAAF’. The badge has a diameter of 2,3cm, and is in excellent condition.

Note: The ‘31 Squadron’ was formed in December 1939 and operated from the Celone Airfield in Italy. They flew US B-24 Liberator bombers over Crete, Ploesti, and Warsaw and later transported POWs from Italy to England. The squadron was disbanded in December 1945.