Need help with RAF Patch

[bsweeney]

This is from a cousin of my mother in law. I was asked to find out what I could about the owner was killed in battle of Britain. This was sent to her from the cousin that died.

[Steve T]

Hi

Well it is a standard RAF badge. To quote....

A New Dictionary of Heraldry edited by Stephen Friar and published in 1987, asserts that: The official badge of the Royal Air Force has been in existence since 1949 and is blazoned, " In front of a circle inscribed with the motto Per Ardua Ad Astra and ensigned by the Imperial Crown an eagle volant and affronty Head lowered and to the sinister."

....although considerable debate still continues as to when it was first 'agreed' as the badge of the RAF. Certainly it's origins can be traced back to the early 1920's but the bird originally shown was an Albatross !

The latin motto has various definitions but 'through adversity to the stars' is the one most quoted.

The only way to trace your relative is with information about his rank, the squadron he served in and when. With this information you could find out what happened to him.

Hope this helps

Steve T

[bsweeney]

We know who he was and what happened, he was shot down and killed in battle over the channel. I was inquiring about this patch and am curious as to just why he would have given it to her.

[Ben Evans]

Looks like a blazer badge to me, interesting to see the Kings crown on it

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi, I would say it is a blazer badge too, for wear on a civvy jacket.

Cheers, Ade.