75 SQN "Seek & Strike" Lapel Pin

No. 75 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force uses the Australian magpie as the central element of its official squadron badge. The magpie was chosen because of its aggressive territorial behaviour and willingness to confront much larger opponents, qualities considered symbolic of a fighter squadron. The badge was formally approved within the Royal Australian Air Force heraldic system and depicts a stylised black and white magpie, reflecting the appearance of the Australian species. The emblem became closely associated with the squadron during the Second World War when No. 75 Squadron flew Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk fighters in the defence of Port Moresby in 1942. During these operations the unit earned a reputation for determination and aggressive combat flying. The magpie therefore became an appropriate symbol for the squadron’s character and fighting spirit. Today the magpie remains the identifying symbol of No. 75 Squadron and appears on the squadron’s official crest, patches, and unit insignia.