Aircraft tail numbers

[MAINJAFAD]

When I was in the Falklands on 1435 Flt in 1993, the Tornado F3’s there had the tail-letters F, H and C named after the three 1435 Flt Gloster Gladiators (Faith, Hope and Charity) that helped to defend Malta against the Italians in WW2. However, there was 4 Tornados, so they named the 4th one D – Desperation.

When 1435 Flt reformed from the rump of 23 Sqn down south with Phantoms in Oct 88, they had F,H,C and D as well, also with the name on the nose (well they did when I looked around 'D' and 'C' in their shelters in early 89).

 

[Teh Wal]

...For Tonka's from 96 it used to be Bruggen Wing A*=9Sqn, B*=14 Sqn, C*=17Sqn and D*=31Sqn

Hehehe, you've just reminded me about something. GW1 at Dharhan, 17 Sqn tonka with tail letter 'CN' - someone added an extra 'N' (dunno whether it was paint or bodge tape or whatever) just to take the p1ss out of a certain TV News organisation.

 

[MAINJAFAD]

Hehehe, you've just reminded me about something. GW1 at Dharhan, 17 Sqn tonka with tail letter 'CN' - someone added an extra 'N' (dunno whether it was paint or bodge tape or whatever) just to take the p1ss out of a certain TV News organisation.

Indeed they did and it was painted on, until their SEngO from hell had it removed. As for proof of the fact that it did happen, a photo of the aircraft in question by ILLKC.

 

[Jack Jarvis]

During GW1, the first six Buccs sent to Bahrain were taken from all three Sqns and were given the designation letters P, I, R, A, T and E.

Also back in the day when Buccs had big tail letters, they were:
"xF" - 12 Sqn,
"xS" - 208 Sqn and
"xC" - 237 OCU.

I could never confirm it, but assumed these were for Fox, Sphinx and Cutlass.