The Royal Air Force Heraldry Trust
About The Royal Air Force Heraldry Trust
The RAF Heraldry Trust aims to catalogue the heraldic badges for every RAF unit (squadrons, stations, regiments, etc. ) both past and present.
The Royal Air Force Heraldry Trust Description
The definitive hand painted pages will be housed as a permanent record in RAF Cranwell's Library, where it may be consulted by interested individuals and organisations, for both educational and research purposes.
The RAFHT’s aim is to preserve the heritage of the RAF which is otherwise in danger of being lost as the members of older squadrons pass away and the risk that their badges are forgotten or lost.
The badges are repainted by heraldic artist, Mary Denton BA (Hons), on to goatskin parchment paper using 23. 75 carat gold leaf and gouache paints which have an excellent resistance to fading. Each page is finished with calligraphy recording all the badge’s details, including a dedication specified by each sponsor.
With just half the paintings completed, with your help, we are aiming to complete the entire collection in time for the RAF's 100th birthday in April 2018.
Reviews
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that, 28 years after first starting this RAF Heraldry project, I have finally decided to walk away from it after a period of almost 18 months of total inactivity. My formal resignation as the 'Artist of First Choice' to the RAF Heraldry Trust was submitted to the Chairman & Trustees with immediate effect on August 7th. I would like to thank all the sponsors and Trustees, past and present, for their support for this project throughout the years. Mary Denton.
Would you like to become involved in this historic project? We're appealing for individuals and/or organisations to help us fill in the blank spaces on this badge by becoming a sponsor. We still have a limited number of Stations left as well as Groups/Maintenance, Regiment & Signals Units/Schools/University Air Squadrons and many others. If you are interested in helping us, please head over to the website at http://www.rafht.co.uk/ where you will find a full list of available badges as well as images of those already done. To make sponsorship easy, there is also an online application form. Thank you
All too often we sometimes under-estimate the sacrifices given by services personnel, in whatever role they serve. Whilst this is another tragedy for the Red Arrows team, but please let’s all help Cpl Bayliss’ family at what must be a very difficult time, and please share the link. Thank you.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/j on-bayliss
Three squadrons formed on 1 December 1917. Details are with the images.
No 108 Fighter Squadron formed at Stonehenge on 11 November 1917 and its badge, authorised by King George VI in July 1938 is described as follows: Blazon: An Oak Leaf Or. Link: The oakleaf alludes to Stonehenge as it represents strength and Age. Motto: Latin: Viribus contractis - With gathering strength.
Time to finally catch up on the outstanding 100th Anniversaries of 2017. There are 4 Squadrons which formed on 8 October 1917. Details are with the badges.
Wrapping up those squadrons which were formed 100 years ago in September 1917 are Nos 105, 106 and 114 Squadrons. Details on images.
Four more badges for units which formed on 1 September 1917 include Nos 92, 93, 103 and 104 Squadrons. Details for each badge accompany each image.
No 91 (Nigeria) Squadron formed 100 years ago at Spittlegate on 1 September 1917 and its badge, authorised by King George VI in July 1942 is described as follows: Blazon: In front of a Fountain two Triangles interlaced Vert. Link: The triangles are from the flag of the Governor of Nigeria whilst the fountain represents duties over the sea. Motto: We seek alone.
No 89 Squadron formed 100 years ago at Catterick on 1 September 1917 and its badge, authorised by King george VI in September 1944, is described as follows: Blazon: A Wyvern Sable langued armed and pierced by a Flash of Lightning all Or Link: The design represents an evil monster being struck down Motto: Latin: Dei auxilio telis meis - By the help of God with my own weapons.
No 87 (United Provinces) Fighter Squadron formed 100 years ago at the Central Flying School, Upavon on 1 September 1917 and its badge, authorised by King George VI in October 1937 is described as follows: Blazon: A Serpent reversed head reguardant and tail embowed all proper. Link: The letter S was used by the sqn in the 1st WW. The serpent in this shape has been used in association with the motto to depict the squadron. Motto: Latin: Maximus me metuit - The most powerful fear me
No 86 Squadron formed 100 years ago at Shoreham on 1 September 1917 and its badge, authorised by King George VI in March 1944 is described as follows: Blazon: A Gull volant Or carrying in the beak a Flash of Lightning Gules. Link: The badge represents the destruction carried to the enemy across the sea. Motto: Latin: Ad libertatem volamus - We fly to freedom.
Celebrating the centenary of its opening on 27 August 1917 is RAF Kenley and its badge, authorised by Queen Elizabeth II in December 1958 is described as follows: Blazon: A Portcullis Sable chained Argent the base partially surmounting a Rose Gules barbed and seeded proper the upper part surmounted of a Fleur de Lys Or. Link: The portcullis is an indication of the successful defence of London and the station’s link with FighterCommand, from which badge the device comes. The rose and fleur de lys are references to London and Paris where flights were made and fights over France in both World Wars. Motto: Latin: Nisi dominus pro nobis - Except the Lord be on our side.
I've had a couple of hectic weeks and a trio of units celebrating 100 years of their formation have slipped through the net, but here they are. Details are with each badge.