Features – Royal Auxiliary Air Force Badge

In 1984, on the occasion of its Diamond Jubilee, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force was awarded its own badge which was designed and painted by the College of Arms. In recognition of the Force’s association with the Royal Air Force, the badge’s motto reads “Comitamur Ad Astra” which translates to “We go with them to the stars”.

The Blazon

A blazon is the heraldic description of ceremonial insignia such as a coat of arms, shield or badge. The blazon for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force badge reads:

“A Circle fimbriated and inscribed with the words ROYAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE azure in front thereof a pair of wings conjoined fesswise also azure ensigned with an Astral Crown or all set above a scroll azure doubled gules bearing the motto COMITAMUR AD ASTRA and having between the Circle and Scroll two sprigs of oak fructed gold the whole ensigned with the Royal Crown proper”.

The first blazon was approved during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and accordingly the ‘Royal Crown proper’ featured the Queen’s Crown. Following the accession of King Charles III to the throne, the the blazon featured the King’s Crown.

 

The original Badge is currently held at Headquarters Air Command pending finding a permanent location for it. A true copy of the Badge, also painted by the College of Arms, was commissioned by Group Captain RTW Mighall who presented it to the Royal Air Force Club on the occasion of his retirement as Inspector Royal Auxiliary Air Force in July 2000. It is located immediately to the right of a copy of the Royal Air Force Badge in the Club’s foyer.