934 Barrage Balloon Squadron Trench Art Plaque

Totally unique and scarce item of WWII trench art relating to a barrage balloon squadron. The plaque is hand carved from a solid lump of oak and features to the front a kings Crown and below the RAF eagle (although this interpretation has the look of a parrot! and below 934 Squadron. The Crown and RAF eagle are highlighted in gold paint which is now rather faded. To the bottom left is finely carved overlapping letters RAF and to the bottom right the letters BB which seeing 934 was a balloon Squadron we assume refers to Barrage Balloon, but could possibly be the makers initials. Research indicates 934 Squadron was part of no 13 Balloon Centre which in turn was part of 32 Balloon Barrage Group which was under the command of Air Commodore A. A. Walser who served in WWI as both an Observer and Pilot with the RFC and won both the MC and the DFC. 13 Group was formed at Collaton Cross, Plymouth on 3 September 1939 and it was made up of 5 flights of 8 balloons but by August 1940 24 balloons are recorded. Plymouth suffered a severe pounding in WWII in what has become known as the Plymouth Blitz which ran from June 1940 to April 1944. We understand 934 Squadron was disbanded in November 1944, presumably after the threat of further air raids was minimal but undoubtedly the men and woman who served at Collaton Cross had an important and no doubt dangerous role to perform on the home front. Sadly we have no provenance with this piece although it was purchased in south west England) but a scarce and unusual subject of an often overlooked arm of the RAF. Measures 10" x 6" (26 cm x 14 cm.)