On this page you find an explaination of the RAF markings Beside that you find a list off all foreign RAF squadrons (European countries only). The squadrons that exist in the EAF and have a homepage have a link from their squadron number. By clicking on C.O. you can E-mail to the commanding officer of that squadron.

For those unfamiliar with the coding system, two letters were separated from a third by the roundel. For example, CG - A, where "CG" is the code and "A" is the aircraft identifying letter and usually the radio call sign.

The two-letter squadron code was introduced after the Munich Crisis of 1938. However, many squadrons used a different code following the outbreak of hostilities. This second code did not always extend to non-operational aircraft held on charge by a squadron and so it was common for two separate codes to be displayed. Additionally, the same code combination was in use by more than one squadron at the same time.

A further complication is that aircraft "acquired" by squadrons as communications hacks would be quickly overpainted with codes as proof of ownership. These were often not held on the squadron imprest account. By the same token, some aircraft officially "off the books", would suddenly reappear resplendent in new paintwork, again being non-accountable equipment. For this reason it may be seen that there was sometimes a very wide variety of aircraft present in a single squadron.

Throughout the range of numbers there were individual squadrons whose personnel were either from a particular country, region or city. (In some cases adopted). In addition, there were a number of instances where a squadron had been financed by the country or region concerned. In most cases an emblem on the port side below the forward cockpit canopy signified the squadron's affiliation.

Single aircraft were were in some cases donated by private individuals, company's or communities. The name of the donor was stencilled in yellow forward of the cockpit canopy. This was on occasion in addition to national or regional insignia.

Below you find afew tables of suadrons sorted by country. All information known to us is added here. Most information was found on the EAST ANGLIA: THE AIR WAR. Here you can find more details and links to search for related information.