Origins of RAF Heraldic Badges

863 (Thurston) Squadron's heraldic badge depicts a flying salmon, and we know the salmon works hard throughout its life cycle against all odds to succeed and thrive, it always triumphs in the face of adversity!  The design complements well the Squadron’s Latin motto:

‘Labor Omnia Vincit’ meaning ‘Work Conquers All’

But when did RAF heraldic badges start?

Prior to the formation of the RAF, some Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service units proudly displayed an array of distinguishing unofficial emblems and aircraft markings.  The RAF then formed on 1st April 1918 and four months later, on 1st August 1918, the first official RAF ‘badge’, the Royal Air Force crest, was adopted. 

‘Per ardua ad astra’

‘Through adversity to the stars’

Until the 1930s squadrons continued to use their own informal badges and the official system wasn’t introduced until March 1935 when Mr. J. D. Heaton Armstrong (a British Indian Army officer and later a squadron leader in the RAF) was appointed the first Inspector of RAF Badges.  The first thing he did was to produce a standard format of crest to ensure uniformity, with the depicted crown being that of the reigning King or Queen at the time of issue.

Standard Frame Introduced in 1935

Using this standard frame, units had to send their designs to the Inspector of RAF Badges with an explanation of the origin and reasons for their prospective design.  If the design was approved, it then had to be registered at a cost of 10 guineas of non-public money paid for by the applying unit.  Following registration, there was one final endorsement required, the Sovereign would review the design and approve it by signing the original artwork and returning it to the unit.  

In May 1936 King Edward VIII approved the first crests for No. 2 (Army Cooperation) Squadron – the most senior of all RAF squadrons, and for Nos 4, 15, 18, 19, 22, 33, 201, 207, 216 and 604 Squadrons.

King Edward VIII

The formal system introduced in 1935 continues to this day though a new unit applying for a crest must have existed for 5 years and be expected to continue for at least another 5 years. Also, as of 1992 the caveat that the fee be paid from non-public funds was dropped.

RAF Heraldic Crests - RAF Club

If you ever visit the RAF Club in Piccadilly, London, lookout on the first floor for the extensive and unrivalled collection of original Squadron badges – a lasting record of RAF history!

Chocks Away!