“FAITHFUL FRIEND”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 February 1941, Page 2

“FAITHFUL FRIEND”

R.A.F. SQUADRON'S BADGE

ARMS OF OTRANTO IN ITALY.

Some of the badges adopted by Royal Air Force Squadrons have a curious history. That of No. 224 General Reconnaissance Squadron for instance, shows a castellated tower with a serpent twining itself round the walls—the arms of Otranto, in Italy

The squadron was originally formed at Otranto during the last war as No. G Wing R.N.A.S.. and was renumbered GG Wing R.A.F. in April, 1918. It latei became No. 22*1 Squadron. It was engaged in bombing Cattaro and Durazzo. and was disbanded in Mav. 1919.

When the squadron was reformed in February 1937. it was suggested that the arms of Otranto, the squadron's birthplace, should be adopted as its badge. The Italian Embassy in London supplied details of the desig.s. and when this had been adapted to the needs of the R.A F. it was shown as a matter of courtesy to the Embassy.

When it was returned to the squadron, the copy of the badge bare the following signature: "Mussolini. Roma 1938." The Embassy had sent it out to Italy for august inspection. Perhaps the Duce was intrigued by the motto at the base of the design. "Fedele all’ Amico." "Faithful to a Friend." The "Faithful Friend’ in the design ■ t the badge is the serpent itself. .According to legend a princess imprisoned in a castle at Otranto was watched over and fed by a serpent until rescued by a local St. George. Though faithfulncs:; to friendship is. not so characteristic, nowadays, of Italian serpent.*; and other?. St. George is still busy over the Straits of Otranto, I