RAF squadron standards and battle honours are part of the heraldry of the Royal Air Force and are used to express a squadron's heritage and achievements. Squadron standards are ceremonial flags that are granted to squadrons on meeting certain criteria. Battle honours are awarded to commemorate notable battles, actions, or engagements in which squadron personnel have taken part.
Squadron standards
History
thumb|The squadron standard belonging to [[No. 97 Squadron RAF|No. 97 Squadron of the Royal Air Force]]
Throughout British history, military leaders have employed ceremonial flags for the purposes of identified rally points for troops during battle, these flags being known as 'standards'. The positions of the standards on a battlefield would provide an indication of how the battle was progressing.
The history of squadron standards in the Royal Air Force can be traced back to the Second World War, when on the 25th anniversary of the RAF in 1943, King George VI declared his plan to grant standards to operational squadrons. For a standard to be awarded, the squadron had to qualify by either completing 25 years of service in the RAF; Royal Auxiliary Air Force; Royal Naval Air Service; or Royal Flying Corps; or be recognised by the monarch for outstanding merit during operations. Initially the design did not include the leek for Wales; this was highlighted in Parliament by a Welsh MP and subsequent standards were amended to include the leek. The centre of the standard features embroidery of the squadron's approved heraldic badge and scrolls identifying battle honours which the squadron has been awarded.
Standards are typically mounted on an flagstaff featuring a gold eagle with elevated wings.
In 1943, King George VI approved the award of a Standard to RAF squadrons who have 25 years of service in either the RAF, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Royal Naval Air Service or Royal Flying Corps. Standards can also be awarded to units which have "earned the King's appreciation for outstanding operations".
Below is a list of battle honours separated by major campaigns which may be claimed by RAF squadrons.
First World War battle honours
- Aegean
- Amiens
- Ypres, 1917
- Invasion Ports 1940. For bombing operations against German-occupied Channel ports, to dislocate enemy preparations for the invasion of England.
- Iraq 1941. For operations in the defeat of Rashid Ali's rebellion, 2–31 May 1941.
- Italy 1943–1945. For operations over Italy.
- Kosovo.
:RAF participation in, or direct support to, the allied air campaign over the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the period 24 March to 20 June 1999. Nos 1, 9, 14 and 31 Squadrons have the right to emblazonment, Nos 7, 8, 23, 51, 101 and 216 Squadrons do not.
- Sierra Leone 2000.
:RAF support of UK military intervention in Sierra Leone. No 7 Squadron has the right to emblazonment.
- Iraq 2003.
:RAF support of Invasion of Iraq.
- Afghanistan 2001-2014.
:RAF support to operations in Afghanistan (Operation Herrick).
- Libya 2011.
:RAF support to the 2011 military intervention in Libya.