RAF Defense Review & a new CAS platform: Raven GR.1

[AeroplaneDriver]

Joe-

The Saint emblem has been part of the 16 Sqn insignia for quite a while. I think it references the squadron's formation at St. Omer in France back in 1915ish.  Once the TV program came out in the 60s I think the squadron adopted the "Saint" logo as part of their insignia along with the crossed keys (on the intake) which represent to original recon role (unlocking the enemy's secrets).  The black and gold keys signify day and night ops.

[Captain Canada]

Perfect ! That thing just looks right.....I think it's an aeroplane that's always been overshadowed, and it's about time she's been brought out into the light. And you did that.

[Mossie]

I'm pretty sure the use of The Saint symbol predates the TV series, informally at least.  The original Saint novels date from the late twenties & the symbol was used in those almost from the begining.  I've seen a 16 Sqn Tempest with a Saint marking chalked or painted on, I'll see if I can find it somewhere.

The official marking of the cross-keys ties in with The Saint too, the keys symbolise access to the enemies secrets according to Wiki.  Cross keys are also the symbol of St Peter.  With The Saint novels being about Simon Templar, a secret agent, the 'access to secrets' line ties in very nicely & it's not surprising that The Saint logo was adopted.

[AeroplaneDriver]

I'm pretty sure the use of The Saint symbol predates the TV series, informally at least.  The original Saint novels date from the late twenties & the symbol was used in those almost from the begining.  I've seen a 16 Sqn Tempest with a Saint marking chalked or painted on, I'll see if I can find it somewhere.

The official marking of the cross-keys ties in with The Saint too, the keys symbolise access to the enemies secrets according to Wiki.  Cross keys are also the symbol of St Peter.  With The Saint novels being about Simon Templar, a secret agent, the 'access to secrets' line ties in very nicely & it's not surprising that The Saint logo was adopted.

You know, not long after I posted that I was thumbing through the latest SAMI and noticed artwork from a 1961 RAF Flying Review showing a WWII Blackburn Roc with the "Saint" figure on the fuselage, so I realised then that it must go back much earlier than the TV series.  Thanks for the clarification, I stand happily corrected!   

[Mossie]

Your welcome!  Glad you've found a pic, I can't find the book that the pic of the Tempest is in.  I wouldn't mind, it's one the largest books I've got, I shouldn't be able to miss it!

[AeroplaneDriver]

One question Mossie; do you know if I am correct in understanding that the original 'Saint' affiliation does stem from the formation at St Omer?

[NARSES2]

Nice build Nick - she suits the scheme, dosn't look like a "Russian" aircraft anymore.

As for 16 Squadrons nickname - not sure if it refers to being formed at St Omer ? Half the RFC was formed there as it was the main base. Was formed from flights from 2 & 6 squadrons if that helps, but I can't find anything in my references to explain the name. Must have it somewhere in an old "Cross & Cockade" but b***er knows where 

[Mossie]

I'm not certain Nick, but I think it's not just St Omer, it's a lot to do with things coming together.  I think St Omer is part of it, but so is the Cross Keys association with St Peter, The Saints role as a spy or intelligence gatherer, (the Squadrons original role) which also ties back to the cross keys symbol (more to do with unlocking the enemies secrets then anything religous).  The Saint symbol is used heavilly in the books so I guess it took just one or two individuals to recognise a pattern & adopt it as an unofficial mascot.  At most it's become semi-official being regularly featured on aircraft, but you won't see the symbol mentioned in the squadron listing on the RAF website.

[tanktastic43]

Great build and very pleasing to the eye. Well done.

[kitbasher]

The official name for the RAF's new Close Air Support aircraft was chosen on the BBC television program 'Blue Peter' on May 9th 2009. The three finalists were invited, along with AVM 'Timo' Anderson, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff.

The three finalsts were:
3rd-Tommy Flimp, aged 9 from Devon with his suggestion of "Jackal".  Tommy said he liked the name because it sounded like his Uncle Jack who brought him sweets.

2nd-Susie McGillicudy, aged 11 from Lancashire with her suggestion of "Vampyre".  Susie said she liked Vampyre because it was evocative of a shadowy demonic horror slipping thorough the night leaving death and devasation in its wake, and was in keeping with the Slavic roots of the aircraft, while at the same time recognizing the distinct identity of the classic British fighter jet of the 40s and 50s.

and in 1st place, the winner was little Jason Schmus, aged 10, from Norfolk.  He suggested the name 'Raven', saying that the original Russian name of the aircraft was "Grach', translated as 'Rook'.  He said that Raven was in keeping with this name, but also had links to the legendary Ravens guarding the Tower of London, making it a worthy name for an RAF aircraft.

Excellent model - totally convincing. 
But here's the bad news. 
On May 15 2009 it will be revealed that the Blue Peter vote was rigged, the so-called winning names had in fact been dreamt up by Ant and Dec and the actual winning name was in fact 'Petra', as suggested by 6 year old Kylie Chavs from Chelmsford, Essex.  The BBC will be fined £250000 and ordered to stop relentless broadcasts of talent shows involving Andrew Lloyd-Webber.  The latest Saturday night series - to find the perfect Colonel Kurtz for the West End musical adaptation of 'Apocalypse Now' will however be allowed to run its course. 

[sotoolslinger]

Love the plane, love the backstory. I wish I could paint that well.  where's my knitting needles?