My good friend and researcher of 211 Squadron history, Ian Carter, sent this image through yesterday. It shows Gerald (far left) and others from 211 Squadron holding a captured shield from the Italian Army 8th Infantry Corps who were at Terpelene in January and February of 1941... and before, when they were part of the invasion of Albania forces from November of 1940, at the start of the Greco-Italian war. Hence the involvement of 211 Squadron who were sent to Greece in November of 1940 to repel tis invasion. Originally I thought the shield looked like a captured German army emblem, due to the double headed eagle, but looking closer, I saw the 'Fasces' symbols either side of the eagle, which made it undoubtedly Italian - this was indeed the symbol of Fascism as created by Mussolini. More detail on this regiment here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIII_Army_Corps_(Italy)
How this group of RAF reprobates came into possession of the shield is anyone’s guess but it’s a great propaganda photograph. Well done this lads!
The Blenheim Boys
‘The devotion and gallantry… are beyond all praise. The Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava is eclipsed in brightness by these almost daily deeds of fame.’
Winston Churchill on the Blenheim Crews - Prime Minister’s Personal Minute, M.852/1, 30 August 1941
