HC Deb 21 March 1967 vol 743 cc242-3W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the word Rhodesia has been omitted from the title of No. 44 Squadron, Royal Air Force; and why there is a similar omission from the new colours to be presented in June.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

In 1952 the Air Council decided that all indications of territorial associations should be removed from the official titles of Royal Air Force squadrons. This meant the disappearance of territorial names from some 40 squadron titles including that of "Rhodesia" from the official title of No. 44 Squadron.

In accordance with the rule that has been in force since the Air Council decision of 1952, the badge on the standard which was embroidered for No. 44 Squadron early in 1965 and which will be presented to the Squadron next June, carries the squadron number on either side of the emblem, the one word "Squadron" above it, and the words "Royal Air Force" underneath.