Sees and strikes
          – a Nordic lynx in international service

katta.gif (7687 bytes) Although Swedish regulations does not allow nose art on the jet, that did not stop the Swedish voluntary aviators in the 57th to devise their own badge. The badge is not found on the AJS-43 itself, but is found on helmets, bags, t-shirts and lockers.

The badge is a blue black-rimmed circle with a yellow and black lynx in the centre. Above are the words "57th Crusaders" and below are the motto "Ser och slår" ("Sees and strikes"). The blue and yellow represents the Swedish flag, and the lynx represents the SA-43, designated "Lokatten" or "lynx" in Sweden, as well as the Nordic nature. The motto, "sees and strikes", is well found.

Despite the perhaps over-enthusiastic Swedish thrift against  decorations on the aircraft, the Swedish aviators are proud of their badge. It does not only represent Sweden and the Swedish participation in the war effort, but it also symbolises craftsmanship and a will of sacrifice that Sweden should be proud of.