SWIFT TO DESTROY: 77 SQN RAAF

77 SQN was one of three RAAF fighter squadrons formed during the desperate days of WWII. Under the charismatic leadership of Squadron Leader ‘Dick’ Cresswell it was sent into action with P-40 Kittyhawks, firstly from Northern Australia and then across the South-West Pacific. The post-war period involved occupational duty in Japan flying P-51 Mustangs and by the early 1950s the pilots were in action over the Korean peninsula. 77 SQN also became the first RAAF unit to operate jet fighters in combat with the British designed Meteor. A Korean Temple Lion was adopted as their unit motif, which is affectionately known as the ’Grumpy Monkey’. Since the Korean War 77 SQN has been at the vanguard of Australia’s defence, actively engaged in the Malayan Emergency and more recently conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The title “Swift to Destroy” is derived from the 77 SQN motto and reflects the heritage and continued legacy of one of the RAAF’s premier fighter and attack squadrons. Standing proud in the background is the ‘Grumpy Monkey’ temple lion. This is formed on a green and white checkerboard pattern that was prominent on Meteor and Sabre aircraft during the 1950/60s. In the lower half is a legendary P-40 Kittyhawk flown by commander Cresswell when he brought down the unit’s first combat victory in 1942. Also included is Sgt Hale’s infamous ‘Halestorm’ Meteor in which he claimed the last air to air combat victories for 77 SQN and the RAAF. Incorporated throughout the design are other formidable aircraft the squadron has operated from Mirage, Macchi MB.326, Pilatus PC-9, F/A/18, up to the latest F-35 Lightning II.

✅ Hand signed and numbered by Drew Harrison, with a Certificate of Authenticity included!

✨ Archival inks on High Quality Photo Rag paper.

*Print on demand product. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.*