Aircraft with Rank and Names displayed
Hello SNicholas.
On proper, real mens aircraft, the Rank and name displayed below the port front window referred to Captains who had that particular aircraft allocated to them. On occasions, they would even fly 'their' aircraft if they were serviceable/available/not detached.
It was quite easy to spot 'real mens aircraft'. They were allocated to a Squadron where the number of crews almost equaled the number of aircraft. The aircraft were also equiped with the tailwheel attached to the proper end of the aircraft. The Squadron was also historically a Fighter Squadron. And, of course, the Squadron flying crews were all...men.
The only, late 20th Century example of 'real mens aircraft' that comes to mind was 'Real Eight' (as opposed to 'Eight South') who operated that fine British stalwart, the Avro Shackleton AEWII.
And for those doubters, I have WL756's nose outside my office. And it still has Flt Lt M****n H*****s name on it.
camlobe