RAF crests

[forthbridge]

Hi all

Does anyone know what the policy on non sovereign aircraft using Crown emblems? I'm thinking specifically of the USAF tankers at Mildenhall, a few of which have the station crest in the tail. Given that it's 'Crown Copyright' and they are not UK aircraft, has a deal on their use been done, or are the USAF actually not supposed to carry them?

Or am I totally wrong?

[Rick Piper]

Hi forthbridge

i think most flightsimmers use stuff like this and if told off they remove said item from paint.

it depends on what it is.

i don't even think technically you can put a roundel on without permission but common sense seems to prevail in the last year or so.

Regards
Rick

[hobby]

My other interest is heraldry, a subject on which I lecture to those interested.

It is a great pity that the term 'crest' is mis-used by the press and general public. In heraldic law a 'crest' is part of a Coat of Arms, specifically all the items atop the helmet in a Coat of Arms.

Very few RAF units have Coats of Arms, the RAF College at Cranwell is one, the Empire Test Pilots School another. Most established RAF, RAuxAF and RAFVR units do have official badges - and it these badges that are often mistakenly called 'unit crests.' All official RAF badges have to be approved a specified Officer of the College of Arms, presently Garter Principal King of Arms, Peter Gwyn Jones, who is the most senior heraldic afficial in England.

I have a collection of 5 volumes of drawings, unfortunately only in black and white, of official RAF badges which covers Commands, Stations, Flying and non-flying units and establishments.

Just so that one does not become over-serious in this matter many units and past members of the RAF, devise, design and have manufactured, and wear with elan, unofficial badges, not approved by the 'authorities' declaring unit identity. The triangular Jaguar badge often seen on flying overalls is but one example. 'Tonks' also uses one such unofficial badge on this forum. Many such badges are humorous and are great morale maintainers.

[Chris Trott]

My understanding is that the painting of crests on the aircraft at Mildenhall has been around since the 1960s when SAC first started basing aircraft there and was done with the blessing of the MoD.

Also, the Station Crest is used in lieu of the 2-letter tailcode which is standard on all aircraft based at other locations in addition to the "Square D" emblem below the Station Crest.

100ARW
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... 100arw.htm

RAF Mildenhall
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... enhall.htm