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Belgian Air Force Mirage Recce Patch Sqn 42 Squadron 3 Wing Variant A
$29.99
Belgian Air Force 42 Squadron Reece Reconnaissance Patch Mirage 5 BR 3 Wing Cold War 1980s
This Belgian 42 Squadron Reece patch is embroidered on felt cut edge 115mm by 83mm four and one half inches by three and one quarter inches.
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Patch History
This original Belgian Air Force 42 Squadron patch dates from the 1980s, when the Squadron operated the Mirage 5BR tactical reconnaissance aircraft as part of 3 Wing. Manufactured on blue felt with embroidered detail and a cut edge, the large shield-shaped patch was produced for wear by squadron personnel during the latter years of the Cold War.
The badge features the Squadron’s distinctive red winged devil, carrying a camera instead of a weapon, symbolising its specialised reconnaissance mission. Above the figure sits the Belgian Royal Crown, while the black ring represents the Squadron’s long-established insignia. Unlike Belgium’s fighter squadrons, 42 Squadron was tasked with gathering photographic and tactical intelligence, providing commanders with vital information on enemy positions, troop movements and battlefield activity.
42 Squadron traced its heritage to the Belgian military aviation units formed after the First World War and became the Belgian Air Force’s dedicated tactical reconnaissance squadron. During the Cold War it formed part of 3 Wing, operating from Bierset Air Base before later moving to Florennes Air Base. Its Dassault Mirage 5BR aircraft were equipped with advanced camera systems capable of high-speed, low-level reconnaissance missions across NATO’s Central European theatre.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the Squadron regularly participated in NATO exercises and maintained a constant state of operational readiness alongside Belgium’s Mirage fighter units. Reconnaissance aircraft played a critical role during the Cold War, providing intelligence that supported air operations, battlefield planning and alliance defence across Western Europe.
Large felt squadron patches such as this were privately produced for squadron members and have become increasingly difficult to find. This example represents the specialised reconnaissance capability of the Belgian Air Force during the final decade of the Cold War and is an excellent addition to collections covering NATO, Mirage aircraft or European military aviation
This patch dates from the 1980s
Belgian Air Force 42 Squadron Reece Reconnaissance Patch Mirage 5 BR 3 Wing Cold War 1980s
This Belgian 42 Squadron Reece patch is embroidered on felt cut edge 115mm by 83mm four and one half inches by three and one quarter inches.
Free Shipping
Patch History
This original Belgian Air Force 42 Squadron patch dates from the 1980s, when the Squadron operated the Mirage 5BR tactical reconnaissance aircraft as part of 3 Wing. Manufactured on blue felt with embroidered detail and a cut edge, the large shield-shaped patch was produced for wear by squadron personnel during the latter years of the Cold War.
The badge features the Squadron’s distinctive red winged devil, carrying a camera instead of a weapon, symbolising its specialised reconnaissance mission. Above the figure sits the Belgian Royal Crown, while the black ring represents the Squadron’s long-established insignia. Unlike Belgium’s fighter squadrons, 42 Squadron was tasked with gathering photographic and tactical intelligence, providing commanders with vital information on enemy positions, troop movements and battlefield activity.
42 Squadron traced its heritage to the Belgian military aviation units formed after the First World War and became the Belgian Air Force’s dedicated tactical reconnaissance squadron. During the Cold War it formed part of 3 Wing, operating from Bierset Air Base before later moving to Florennes Air Base. Its Dassault Mirage 5BR aircraft were equipped with advanced camera systems capable of high-speed, low-level reconnaissance missions across NATO’s Central European theatre.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the Squadron regularly participated in NATO exercises and maintained a constant state of operational readiness alongside Belgium’s Mirage fighter units. Reconnaissance aircraft played a critical role during the Cold War, providing intelligence that supported air operations, battlefield planning and alliance defence across Western Europe.
Large felt squadron patches such as this were privately produced for squadron members and have become increasingly difficult to find. This example represents the specialised reconnaissance capability of the Belgian Air Force during the final decade of the Cold War and is an excellent addition to collections covering NATO, Mirage aircraft or European military aviation
This patch dates from the 1980s