WW2 ATFERO (Atlantic Ferry Organisation) Enamel and Sterling Silver Wing

A very small silver lapel wing for ATFERO, the Canadian built Civilian Atlantic Ferry Organisation created in 1940; transferring to RAF Ferry Command in late 1941. Circa 2.9cms wide and 1cms tall. Original pin fitting, fully functional and maker marked Birks and stamped Sterling. A slight scratch across the centre of the enamel, only really obvious as I have blown up the photo many times.

The Atlantic Ferry Organization ("Atfero") was set up by Morris W. Wilson, a banker in Montreal. Wilson hired civilian pilots of widely different backgrounds and nationalities to fly the aircraft to the UK. Because the planes were now being flown on their own, each aircraft required specially trained navigators and radio operators. These crews were then ferried back by ships in convoys. Atfero hired the pilots, planned the routes, selected the airports and set up weather and radiocommunication stations.

Aircraft were first transported to Dorval Airport near Montreal, and then flown to RCAF Station Gander in Newfoundland for the trans-Atlantic flight.

The organization was passed to Air Ministry administration though retaining civilian pilots, some of which were Americans, alongside RAF/RCAF pilots, navigators and radio operators. The crews were briefed by local meteorologists. After completing delivery, crews were eventually flown back to Canada, returning to Dorval for their next run.

Comm StWi (375)

Code: 65598