Air Force Heraldry in the Commonwealth
Posted: 15 May 2016, 11:20
Following the creation of the Royal Air Force in 1918 it was felt the need for a system of Unit Emblems to create order among the rather plentiful of styles for Unit Emblems that existed during the World War I. But it wasn't until 1935 that Chester Herald at the College of Arms was assigned the post of Inspector of RAF badges. In this he was to advise the Air Council on heraldic matters and regulate the display of authorised Badges. And since then when HM King Edward VIII signed the first seven Badges in May 1936 over 1 000 Badges have been authorised for RAF Squadrons, Stations and other Units.
The Basic design of the Badges have since been keept with one execption, upon the accession of Queen Elizabeth II the crown on top of the Badge was changed from the Tudor Crown to the St Edward's Crown. Otherwise the Badges are round with a Brodure carriying the designation of the Unit, the Badge is as noticed crowned and it is in the case of RAF surrounded by Laurel Leaves (other Commonwelth Countires have other national symbols like Maple Leaves of the Royal Canadian Air Froce). To this is added below a Scroll with a Motto, which can be in any language mostly Latin and English but the can also be found in French, Dutch, Norwegian, Czech, Afrikaans, Arabic, Malay, Matable and others.
No 35 Squadron with the original Tudor Crown, note that this Squadron display the Number in Roman Numerals XXXV. A few Squadron does that, but I don't know the reason for this. This was an unofficial Emblem successfully converted into and Offilial one. It symbolises co-operation with Cavaly in the 1914-18 War. The Motto translates as We act with one accord.
The Present design whit the St Edward's Crown. Here The Air Command created 1 April 2007 by merging the Strike Command with the Personnel and Training Command.
During World War II there was created from persons from German Occupied Countries a number of RAF Squadrons in the 300 Series. These where granted Badges in the RAF style and after the War Dutch and Norwegian Flyers would take these to their Home Countries where they where adapted with some national adjustements. The Belgians acctualy chosed to continue to use the Badges granted to thier No 349 and 350 Squadrons. The Lagest group of 300 Series Squadrons where manned by Poles and they chose instead to adopt Badges of a distinct Polish Style. Below one example of this No 315 (Polish) Squadron:
The Basic design of the Badges have since been keept with one execption, upon the accession of Queen Elizabeth II the crown on top of the Badge was changed from the Tudor Crown to the St Edward's Crown. Otherwise the Badges are round with a Brodure carriying the designation of the Unit, the Badge is as noticed crowned and it is in the case of RAF surrounded by Laurel Leaves (other Commonwelth Countires have other national symbols like Maple Leaves of the Royal Canadian Air Froce). To this is added below a Scroll with a Motto, which can be in any language mostly Latin and English but the can also be found in French, Dutch, Norwegian, Czech, Afrikaans, Arabic, Malay, Matable and others.
No 35 Squadron with the original Tudor Crown, note that this Squadron display the Number in Roman Numerals XXXV. A few Squadron does that, but I don't know the reason for this. This was an unofficial Emblem successfully converted into and Offilial one. It symbolises co-operation with Cavaly in the 1914-18 War. The Motto translates as We act with one accord.
The Present design whit the St Edward's Crown. Here The Air Command created 1 April 2007 by merging the Strike Command with the Personnel and Training Command.
During World War II there was created from persons from German Occupied Countries a number of RAF Squadrons in the 300 Series. These where granted Badges in the RAF style and after the War Dutch and Norwegian Flyers would take these to their Home Countries where they where adapted with some national adjustements. The Belgians acctualy chosed to continue to use the Badges granted to thier No 349 and 350 Squadrons. The Lagest group of 300 Series Squadrons where manned by Poles and they chose instead to adopt Badges of a distinct Polish Style. Below one example of this No 315 (Polish) Squadron: