(Badge Crown Copyright)

Squadron Badges in the RAF

Squadron badges or crests have been given to Royal Air Force Squadrons since 1935 when the post of Inspector of RAF Badges at The College of Arms was created. The first officer to hold this post was Sir John Heaton Armstrong MVO, Chester Herald of Arms Extraordinary, who designed the basic framework of the badge within which all devices have subsequently been placed. A badge appropriate to the unit would be designed and approved by the unit commander, then a description and illustration of how the unit would like it to appear would be sent to the inspector. After he confirmed that it was appropriate and conformed with heraldic rules, the RAF would then commission the College of Arms to paint the definitive version, and this painting was then signed by the Sovereign. Some badges will thus have a "Kings Crown" at the top and others a "Queen's Crown'" depending on when the unit was formed and when the badge was approved. For earlier squadrons, like 150 that had been in existence before 1935, even if they had been disbanded and then reactivated, there was input from the squadron members as to what should be on the badge. All squadron badges in the RAF follow the same overall pattern, unlike those of the USAAF. They are basically circular in shape and are surmounted by the crown of the Monarch. Around the circle is a wreath of laurel leaves signifying victory or honour. RCAF badges have a circle of maple leaves. The squadron number is placed on both sides in small horizontal bars in the circlet surrounding the field containing the words "Squadron" and "Royal Air Force" Some Squadrons added the name of their duty such as "Bomber" or "Fighter" while many did not. Within the white field at the centre of the badge are the unique symbols (called devices in heraldic terms) of the squadron.

150 Squadron Badge

The Squadron Badge was presented to the Squadron at RAF Benson by AOC No. 1 Group Air Vice Marshall P.H.L. Playfair, C.B., C.W.O., M.C. on May 25 1939.

In the case of 150 Squadron, the devices are a Greek Cross, signifying the origins of the squadron in Macedonia in 1918 and two arrows crossed in front of it signifying the original fighter role of the squadron. Underneath each squadron badge is a place for the squadron motto. The badge was authorized by King George VI in March, 1939. There are many squadrons with Latin mottos, some in English, a few in French, and some in Gaelic. A very few have mottos in Hindi and Arabic. To my knowledge, 150 is the only squadron to have its motto in Greek, again showing its formation in Greece in 1918 (see squadron history page). The pronunciation of the motto is AY - YA PH -THAN -O -MEN which is usually loosely translated as "Always Ahead".

An Interesting Exchange of Letters

I am indebted to research carried out by Ian Cruttenden at the PRO in London in document AIR1/3961 in which there is a record of correspondence between Wing Commander V. Gibbs, DSC at Air Ministry and J.D. Heaton-Armstrong, Chester Herald, College of Arms. In a letter dated 15 November 1938, Gibbs writes to Heaton Armstrong that "This squadron having been formed in Greece wish (sic) to adopt the white cross from the arms of Greece, the blue border indicating the colour of the field". Originally the arrows were to have been "crossed clubs" which were "taken from the Supporters of the Greek arms". The originally proposed motto was intended to mean "to go one better",but Gibbs indicates that "(he was) having it checked and would let (Heaton-Armstrong) know if (he) learned any objection to it)". There is an exchange of correspondence on the connotation of the original Greek motto, including the change in meaning caused by moving the accent mark. In a letter of Feb 2, 1939, Gibbs indicates that the clubs have been replaced by arrows and writes that "the arrows do not look bad and are a little less "rough" than the clubs originally suggested, but have not the latter's advantage of having been taken from the Supporters of the Greek Arms". In an attachment, the explanation is given that "the arrows are intended to symbolize the Unit's early service as a Fighter Squadron.". In a letter of March 3, 1939, R. Symes of Trinity College, Oxford suggests the use of the motto currently on the badge, objecting to the original suggestion. One must suppose that Symes had been brought in as a consultant on Greek language and connotations. Syme's letter was to Heaton-Armstrong who writes to Wing Commander Gibbs on March 14, 1939, indicating that Mr. Syme had been brought in for "an Oxford view of it" and that the connotation of the motto is "We always get ahead of (other people)". He indicates that the Badge and Motto were approved by the College of Arms on February 24, 1938. Gibbs writes back to Heaton -Armstrong on March 28, 1939 saying that he has no objection to the Greek motto but that "since it will be printed in English in the Air Force List I cannot very well put - 'We always get ahead of (other people). What wording do you propose please? Will "Always Ahead" do?'" On March 29 1039 Heaton- Armstrong writes back to Gibbs that he will ask Mr. Syme whether he thinks "Always Ahead" would be a sufficiently good free translation". Syme obviously did, since that is the English translation used on all further descriptions of the badge. In addition the King - George VI - signed a painting of the badge and it was thus improved - a black and white photograph being sent to Gibbs for his records. Thus, armed with a politely worded and academically correct badge and Fairey Battle Bombers, 150 was ready for war!

The badge appears on the memorial plaques and on the floor of St. Clement Danes, the Church of the Royal Air Force in London - destroyed during the Blitz of 1940 and rebuilt to honour those who served with the RAF.

The painting of the Squadron Badge used on this web site is not a perfect replica of the badge as given by George V1. Our badge was painted by J.A. Long using the basic badge and a bit of artistic licence. It is used on these pages by his kind permission. Even though it is not a direct replica, crown copyright is shown, as all badges and emblems of the British armed forces hold a crown copyright. This version however was not sourced from official crown pictures.

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  Click here to visit The Royal Air Force Heraldry Trust Page - an association that is attempting to paint all of the badges of the RAF