Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

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Marcus Karlsson
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Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Marcus Karlsson » 24 May 2014, 19:05

During the time of History the Royal Air Force have had many Stations (that is Bases) situated outside the United Kingdom, and still has some. Here a look at thier Badges. Blazons only I'am afraid.

RAF Station Akrotiri (Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas), opened 1 October 1955 and Badge granted August 1957.
A flamingo passant in a representation of water in base all proper.
Motto: Acra Semper Acria = (Latin) The penninsula is always eager.
The Station is situated near Akrotiri Lake, a Flamingo breeding ground.

RAF Station Amman (Jordania). Station opened 1 April 1933. Badge granted December 1950. By 31 May 1957 the Station had been handed over to the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
In front of a hurt an eagle displayed wings inverted Or preched on a scimitar Or.
Motto: Swift to defend.
The Unit helped the Hashemite dynasty to retain control during an attemped incursion. The Eagle and Scimitar symbolises the Hashemites and the Hurt symbolises the sky and the help rendered by the RAF during this event.

RAF Station Ascension Island (Ascension Island). Station opened in 1982 and Badge granted in October 1983.
In front of an annulet azure surmounted by two towers of the same on i chief and one in a base a frigate bird volant proper.
Motto: Auxilium Trans Mare = (Latin) Support across the Sea.
The two Towers symbolises the concept Fortess UK and Fortress Falkland Islands and the Annulet (Ring) the flow of personnel and supply between the two. The Frigate Bird symbolises the Location as it is indigenous to Ascension Island. It is also known to fly long distances and is also an apt symbol for the Flight between the UK and the Falkland Island with stop at Ascension Island.

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JMcMillan
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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby JMcMillan » 25 May 2014, 03:29

Marcus Karlsson wrote:RAF Station Ascension Island (Ascension Island). Station opened in 1982 and Badge granted in October 1983.
In front of an annulet azure surmounted by two towers of the same on i chief and one in a base a frigate bird volant proper.
Motto: Auxilium Trans Mare = (Latin) Support across the Sea.
The two Towers symbolises the concept Fortess UK and Fortress Falkland Islands and the Annulet (Ring) the flow of personnel and supply between the two. The Frigate Bird symbolises the Location as it is indigenous to Ascension Island. It is also known to fly long distances and is also an apt symbol for the Flight between the UK and the Falkland Island with stop at Ascension Island.


This one sounds unnecessarily cluttered and hard to visualize, but it actually looks all right.

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Still, I would have thought the frigate bird alone would have been sufficiently distinctive.
Joseph McMillan
Alexandra, Virginia, USA

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Chris Green
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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Chris Green » 25 May 2014, 16:07

My father served in the RAFVR during WWII and spent some time at 107 Maintenance Unit at Kasfareet in the Suez Canal Zone, Egypt in 1945. The badge features a water buffalo.

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Chris Green
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Bertilak de Hautdesert

Marcus Karlsson
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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Marcus Karlsson » 26 May 2014, 13:39

Thanks for the additons.

Joseph - Yes perhaps the Frigate Brid would have been distinctive enougth, but they felt the need to symbolises the other things also I guess.

Chris - the No 107 MU Badge was granted i Januari 1953. The Bezant symbolises the sands of the nearby Desert. The Buffalo symbolises supply of everything as the animal provides power, transport, milk and after death food and leather. Thus symbolising the role of the No 107 MU.

Continuing with the Stations:

RAF Station Bahrain, Station opened in 1943 and Badge granted i June 1958. The Station was renamed RAF Station Muharraq in 1963. The RAF left in December 1971 only to return with a detachement during the 1991 Gulf War and from May 1997 a tanker detechment operated from the Base in support of the Operation Jural and Operation Bolton monotoring the No-fly zones over Iraq. Today Muharraq is the military part of the Bahrain International Airport run by the US Navy.
Badge: On waves of teh sea a dhow Or, the sail charged with a brown staff of St Christopher.
Motto: In Sole Laborate = (Latin) Work in the Sun.
The Sea and Dhow (a local type of boat) are closely linked to the life of Bahrein. The Staff indicates safe travel for personnel and aircraft.

RAF Station Berka (Libya south of Benghazi) Badge granted October 1944.
Badge: In front of a wooden ship's wheel proper a three bladed propeller Or.
Motto: Guard Seek and Strike.
The role of the Station was naval co-coperation which is indicated by the Badge.

RAF Station Bruggen (Brüggen, Federal Republic of Germany). Orignated in 1953 as No 135 wing renamed 1 Januari 1960. On 28 February 2002 transferred to the British Army as Elmpt Station, Javelin Barracks. Thus ending the RAF presence in Germany dating back to 1945.
Badge: In front of a roundel party per fess embattled gules and sable a brown cross-bow (in bend).
Motto: To Seek and Strike.
The Cross-bow symbolises the deterrent role of the Station. The Roundel suggest a fortress which is capable of causing destruction by day or night.

RAF Station Butterworth (Malaya/Malysia), opened 7 May 1941 and Badge granted in June 1955. In Japanese hands 1941-september 1945. The returned the RAF and active during the Malayan Emergency. In 1957 transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The RAAF finaly in 1988 turned over the Station to the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The RAAF however continues to have a presence at Butterworth under the Five Power Defence Arrangements. The Australian Army also maintains a Rifle Company Butterworth part of the 2nd/30th Training Group.
Badge: In front of a kris argent in bend point upwards a hornet proper.
Motto: Sarang Serta Sengat = (Malay) The Nest with the sting.
The Hornet is an aggressive insect common to Malaya and thus symbolises the spirit of the Station. The Kris indicates the location of the Station.

RAF Station Butzweilerhof (Federal Republic of Germany), opened in Janauri 1950 and Badge granted in DEcemebr 1955. On 31 January 1967 transferred to the German Bundeswehr.
Badge: A representation of the Cologne Cathedral Or issuant out of water barry of 4.
Motto: Per Vires Pax = (Latin) Peace through strength.
The Badge show the proximity of the Station to Cologne and the Rhine.

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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Marcus Karlsson » 29 May 2014, 13:32

The RAAF Station Butterworth was awared a badge in the RAAF Pattern with the Text Butterworth Royal Australian Air Force on the Border and the Wattle leaves instead of the Laurel of the RAF Pattern. The New Badge displayed a Blue Boomerang and a Kris Or in Saltire. Combinding symbols of Australia the Boomerang and Malaysia the Kris. The Motto was changed to Pro Cura Pacis Armor. This Badge can be seen here http://www.airforcebadges.ca/raaf3%20-%20bases.html

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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Marcus Karlsson » 02 Jun 2014, 11:16

RAF Station Changi (Singapore). Badge granted August 1950. The Station was handed over to the Singapore Air Defence Command on 9 December 1971.
Badge: A Starfish Or.
Motto: Kamimelindongi semua (Malay) = We shelter many.
The Starfish alludes to the Sea which surrounde the Station on three sides. The Five points of the Starfish also alludes to the five major functions present at the Station: HQ, Flying Squadrons, Hospital, Signals Centre and RAF Regiment.

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The Modern Badge of Changi Air Base, Republic of Singapore Air Force (the SADC was renamed in 1975).

RAF Station Eastleigh (Nairobi, Kenya). Constructed in the 1930ies. Badge granted March 1949. Today Moi Air Base of the Kenyan Air Force. Is also used as a civilian airport.
Badge: A Rhinocerous' head erased Sable.
Motto: Shupavu na thabiti (Swahili) = Tough and strong.
Rhinocerous are commonly found in the Area, or at least was in 1949.

RAF Station Eindhoven (Netherlands). Opened 15 January 1951, but was previously No 2 ACRU. Badge granted Septemebr 1960. The Station was closed and handed back to the Netherlands' authorities in 1962.
Badge: A little owl proper.
Motto: Stilte baart wijsheid (Dutch) = Silence engenders wisdom.
The Little Owl was common to the Area, but also symbolises the secret nature of the role of the Unit housing amongst others the Special Equipment Stores (SES).

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Modern Badge of the Eindhoven Air Base of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Motto Were Di = Defend yourself.

Marcus Karlsson
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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Marcus Karlsson » 02 Jun 2014, 11:42

RAF Station El Adem (Libya, 16 KM South of Tobruk). Taken over by the RAF 12 December 1942. The RAF left 31 March 1970, and the base later becom the Gamal Abdul Al-Nasser AB. Badge granted October 1953.
Badge: In front of a broken Roman column a sprig of thorne.
Motto: Vincit qui patitur (Latin) = He conquers who endures.
The Broken Roman column symbolises the Italian Forces beaten in the Area. Thornes are part of the local flora.'

RAF Station El Hamra (Egypt, Suez Canal Base). Opened april 1947, Badge granted June 1948.
Badge: In front of a equilatorial triangle gules voided argent an escallop inverted Or.
Motto: Strength through mobility.
The Triangle alludes to the No 51 Motor Transport Squadron, which on the formation of the Station was disbanded and reformed as the Station MT Sqn. The Escallop symbol of travellers, represent those passing though the Station El Hamra.

RAF Station Episkopi (Cyprus). A RAF presence was established 1955 becoming a Station on 15 January 1963. Today the Episkopi Cantonment seat of the HQ of the Sovereign Base Areas. The Badge was granted August 1964.
Badge: In front of a mitre OR detailed gules two wings azure conjoined in base overall a sword argent pomelled Or point downwards.
Motto: United we endaevour.
The Mitre alludes to the greek word Episkopos meaning Bishop. The Wings symbolises the RAF and the Sword the Army which also hand units at the Station.

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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Marcus Karlsson » 06 Jun 2014, 11:28

RAF Station Gan (The Maldives). Station opened 1 February 1957 and closed 29 March 1976 and are today the civilian Gan International Airport. Badge granted July 1965.
Bagde: A brown and green Palm tree irradiated Or.
Motto: En route.
The Palm indicates the tropical location of the Station. The irradiation symbolises the significance of the Station in the RAF communication network.

RAF Station Gatow (Berlin, Germany). The Airfield of Berlin-Gatow was taken over by the RAF 1 August 1945 and handed back to the Luftwaffe on 7 September 1994 (General Steinhoff-Kaserne housing the Luftwaffe Museum). Badge granted November 1963.
Badge: In front of a portcullis Or, a representation of the Balck Bear of Berlin (armed brown, langued gules).
Motto: Pons heri, pons hodie (Latin) = A bridge yesterday, and a bridge today.
The Bear is as indicated from the Arms of the City of Berlin. The Portcullis symbolises the protection given to the City by the Station. The Motto alludes to the Berlin Airbridge 1948-49 of which RAF Gatow was one of the Berlin Hubs.

RAF Station Geilenkrichen (Germany), opened on 1 March 1953 but one month later retitled No 138 Wing. Regained the Station title 1 January 1960. Handed over to the Luftwaffe in March 1968. Housed a Pershing Missile Unit until 1980 when it become the Base of the NATO AWACS Force. Badge granted in January 1965.
Badge: In front of a dark-grey eagle displayed an RAF trumpet Or the cord (gules/azure/Or) looped behind the neck.
Motto: Celer respondere (Lation) = Swift to respond.

RAF Station Gibraltar (Gibraltar). Opened as RAF North Front on 26 September 1939 and retitled on 27 Janaury 1967. Badge granted in April 1956.
Badge: Issunat from water barry wavy in base proper a key Or wards upwards and to the dexter.
Motto: Guard the Gateway.
The Waves symbolises the Gibraltar Straits, and the Key Gibraltar as the lock to the Mediterranean Sea. The Key is also to be found in the Arms and Flag of Gibraltar.

RAF Station Gutersloh (Gütersloh, Germany). Opened 1 December 1947 and in 1993 handed over to the British Army as the Princess Royal Barracks. Badge granted in January 1968.
Badge: In front of a four-pointed star argent and azure a spinning wheel gules.
Motto: Vallis vesperis (Latin) = On the western ramparts.
The Spinning wheel is from the Arms of Gütersloh and the Four-pointed Star alludes to the NATO mission of the Station.

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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Marcus Karlsson » 06 Jun 2014, 11:47

RAF Station Habbaniya (Iraq). Opened in January 1937 at Dhibban. The RAF left the Station in 1959. Badge granted in January 1948.
Badge: a khunjar [proper].
Motto: Infesto ferimus (Latin) = We strike the troublesome.
The Badge links the Station with the RAF Iraq Levies, whose Badge included two Khunjars (a local type of dagger).

RAF Station Hal Far (Malta). Opened August 1929, also known as HMS Falcon. During 1967-78 it was a Satelite of RAF Luqa. Today it houses Industry and a Dragracing course. A Badge was granted to the Station in September 1943.
Badge: A maltese cross argent/gules rising from the waves of the sea.
Motto: Inter mare et caelum (Latin) = Between Sea and Sky.
The design symbolises the location and the operations over the Sea, undertaken from the Station.

RAF Station Idris (Libya). Formed in 1943 as Castle Benito but renamed (in honour of King Idris of Libya i guess) in August 1952. The RAF left in 1966 and the Station become Tripoli Idris Airport and after the overtrow of the Monarchy Tripoli International Airport.
Badge: A terrestrial globe azure/gules circled with a chain overall Or a gazelle springing proper.
Motto: Sic vos non vobis (Latin) = We labor to serve others.
The Globe and Chain indicate the role of the Station as one of many transport staging posts around the world. The Gazelle is a local animal quick to respond.

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Re: Badges of RAF Stations "overseas"

Postby Marcus Karlsson » 29 Jun 2014, 18:49

RAF Station Kai Tak (Hong Kong), Station opened March 1928 and in February 1978 renamed RAF Hong Kong. Badge granted in August 1940. Closed in 1993 upon the disbandment of the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force.
Badge: In front of a plate charged with two bars azure wavy in base a Chinese Dragon vert armed gules.
Motto: Ability and ambition of the highest (this is written in Chinese).
Symbolises the location and the fact that the Station is built on reclaimed land in Kowloon Bay.

RAF Station Kalafrana (Malta), Station opened July 1917 (obivously not a RAF Station then as the RAF was founded in 1918). Badge granted in April 1938. In 1946 the Station was tranferred to the Royal Navy, and was used as a Maintenance Facility until 1979, when British Forces left Malta.
Badge: A Maltese Cross per pale argent and gules, surmounted of an eagle volant Or.
Motto: (Latin) Nunquam defuimus = We have never failed.
The Maltese Cross alludes to the location of the Station. The Eagle symbolises the early use of the Station by the Royal Naval Air Service.

RAF Station Khartoum (Sudan), Station opened 22 april 1940 and Badge granted in july 1953. The Station is today the site of Khartoum International Airport.
Badge: In front of two annulets azure and argent and elephants head affronte vert.
Motto: Main road of Africa (in Arabic script).
The Elephant's head denotes the location as Khartoum in Arabic means "Truk of the Elephant". The Two rings symbolises the confluence of the Blue and White Nile at Karthoum.

RAF Station Khormaksar (Aden), Station opened April 1939 and Badge granted in February 1950. Closed 29 November 1967. Today the site of Aden International Airport.
Badge: In fron of a sun in splendour Or a dhow gules.
Motto: Into the remote places.
The Dhow symbolises local transport and therfore the role of the Unit. The Sun symbolises the high temperatures of the local climate.


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