Purple Talons

The Purple Talons (officially designated Provence Three or PT Squadron) were a unit active during Troverth's Great War. Initially part of the Lufen Auxiliary Forces, the squadron consisted of volunteers escaping from the city of Tensong after its alignment with the Troverthan invaders; it would eventually be integrated into the greater Emerald League's air section. Flying what was essentially little more than surplus farming equipment, their mission primarily involved night time harassment bombing of enemy troops or very occasionally close air support for ground forces.

The squadron consisted of three combat sections – each running three active aircraft – as well as a training section.

Throughout the conflict they often faced suspicion and were treated as an afterthought, despite proving themselves time and time again.

Personnel

At the squadron’s formation it consisted of approximately 35 assorted pilots and navigators, ground crew, and administrative staff, all citizens of Tensong. It was led by Sqn Ldr Dalia Yee, alongside her Deputy Commander Flt Lt Yoshe Nobo and Lead Navigator Flt Lt Tessa Heloy.

Yee and Nobo were in command of Section A and B of the squadron respectively. “C Section” was initially led by Flt Lt Guntarch, though following his death command was passed to the less-than-willing Pilot Officer Peggy Lee (with heavy support from Sgt Phoebe Strigidae)

The squadron's ground crew consisted of a clutch of mechanics and several specialised refitters, all under the watch of Lead Mechanic Archie Magis. A Supply Sergeant and their assistant were in charge of attempting to requisition constant munitions and equipment, though many in the squadron had to resort to more imaginative means of procuring what they needed.

History

Duty Station Kidnee

Situated 15km west of the city of Lufen, a haphazard mess of ragged canvas, split logs and mud would come to be home for the squadron. For several months the Talons operated out of Kidnee performing their constant harassment missions every night. The base was shared with the better equipped Provence One Squadron, who conducted daytime missions.

In September the leader of Section C, Flt Lt 'Gunny' was killed in action alongside his navigator Stoop. Sgt Strigidae was awarded the Lu-Fan of Distinguished Service  – one of Lufen’s highest military honours – for flying 14 missions in one night aiding the retreat of the Northern 2nd.