Car badge 72 Squadron Woolworth Staff Fund Raisers

Here is a car badge dedicated to the fund raising efforts of Woolworth staff to raise funds to sponsor the purchase of a Spitfire. In used condition with age and wear, nicks, scratches and chips as per the images. Nix over Six was “nothing over sixpence” in Woolworths stores.

Nix Over Six Primus, was a Supermarine Spitfire Mark 1a, which was bought with sixpences from Woolworth staff. It was assigned number X4921 and joined 72 Squadron of the RAF. The maiden flight was on 7 January 1941. After a period of active service the plane was used for training from May 1941. In October Primus transferred to 306 Squadron, again for pilot training. It was involved in a category B accident on 9 June 1942. The plane was repaired and was soon airborn again. In July 1943 it was transferred to Air Service Training Exeter in preparation for a bigger move from the RAF to the Royal Navy in October. Primus was renumbered 4750M on 28 March 1944 at HMS Vulture in St. Merryn, Cornwall. After the War it continued to be used for pilot training until the airfield was returned to civilian use in 1948.

Nix Over Six Secundus, was also a Supermarine Spitfire Mark 1a. It was bought with cheques from the Woolworth Directors. It was assigned number X4923 and also joined 72 Squadron of the RAF, making its maiden flight on 7 January 1941. The plane was initially used for pilot training in the RAF before being transferred to Squadron 411 of the Royal Canadian Air Force. It saw active service from 22 June to 8 August 1941. After maintenance Secundus was given "safer" training duties on on 26 August 1941, only to suffer the ignominious fate of being crashed into the ground during a training flight on 15 December 1941. On Christmas Eve 1941 the plane was declared beyond repair and retired from service. It was later dismantled for parts to keep the RCAF in the air.

Code: 57508