{{Short description|none}} {{EngvarB|date=July 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
'''RAF squadron standards and battle honours''' are part of the [[heraldry]] of the [[Royal Air Force]] and are used to express a [[List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons|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 === [[File:Royal Air Force 97 Squadron Standard - geograph.org.uk - 5674360.jpg|thumb|The squadron standard belonging to [[No. 97 Squadron RAF|No. 97 Squadron]] of the [[Royal Air Force]]]] Throughout [[Military history of the United Kingdom|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'.{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=12}} The positions of the standards on a [[battlefield]] would provide an indication of how the battle was progressing.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2004 |title=History – RAF Squadron Standards |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/sqn_standard.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040126153941/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/sqn_standard.html |archive-date=26 January 2004 |access-date=21 February 2025 |website=Royal Air Force}}</ref>
The history of squadron standards in the Royal Air Force can be traced back to the [[World War II|Second World War]], when on the 25th anniversary of the RAF in 1943, [[George VI|King George VI]] declared his plan to grant standards to operational squadrons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Squadron lost-but not disbanded |work=The Times |issue=53311 |date=29 August 1955 |page=8|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0" /> The requirements for the awarding of a squadron standard were laid down in Air Ministry Order 866, 1943 and initially thirty squadrons automatically qualified for the awarding of a standard.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=84}}{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=13}}
The first standards were awarded in the 1950s, with thirty squadrons qualifying for their length of service, whereas [[No. 617 Squadron RAF|No. 617 Squadron]] was awarded in recognition of its role in [[Operation Chastise]] in May 1943, otherwise known as the 'Dambuster Raid'.<ref name=":0" />
=== Design === Squadron standards measure {{Convert|4|ft|cm}} x {{Convert|81.2|cm|ftin|abbr=out|order=flip|sigfig=1}}.{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=258}} They hand-made in light-blue [[silk]], with blue and gold [[Fringe (trim)|fringes]] and [[Tassel|tassels]].<ref name=":0" /> Around the border are embroidered [[Rose|roses]], [[Thistle|thistles]], [[Shamrock|shamrocks]] and [[Leek|leeks]], national emblems of the [[Countries of the United Kingdom|constituent countries]] of the United Kingdom.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=RAF Battle Honours |url=https://www.rafht.co.uk/index.php/2016/06/26/raf-battle-honours/ |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=RAF Heraldry Trust |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Squadron Standards (National Emblems) - Hansard - UK Parliament |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1953-05-20/debates/00a267f3-9835-415e-84b6-9ff9afd9446f/SquadronStandards(NationalEmblems)?highlight=%22royal%20air%20force%22#contribution-3c35e8ff-0ce0-4acc-af72-e107735622fd |website=hansard.parliament.uk |access-date=28 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=85}} The centre of the standard features [[embroidery]] of the squadron's approved [[Heraldic badges of the Royal Air Force|heraldic badge]] and [[Scroll|scrolls]] identifying battle honours which the squadron has been awarded.<ref name=":0" /> Originally only eight battle honours could be emblazoned which was later raised to ten. In the 1980s this was amended to fifteen, but the number shown must be limited to eight pre-[[Operation Corporate]] (Falklands Campaign) honours.<ref name="AP3003">{{cite book |editor1-last=Finn |editor1-first=C. J. |title=A brief history of the Royal Air Force AP 3003 |date=2004 |publisher=HMSO |location=London |page=371|oclc=883181451}}</ref>
Standards are typically mounted on an {{Convert|246.3|cm|ftin|abbr=out|order=flip|sigfig=1|round=}} [[Flagpole|flagstaff]] featuring a gold eagle with elevated wings.<ref name=":1" />
=== Battle honours === The practice of awarding battle honours was inherited by the RAF from its [[British Army|Army]] and [[Royal Navy|Navy]] predecessors upon its creation in 1918. Several squadrons therefore carry honours awarded when they were a part of the [[Royal Flying Corps]] or [[Royal Naval Air Service]]. Battle honours are not awarded for every operation conducted by British forces and not every squadron taking part in an operation is entitled to emblazon the honour on their standard, only those involved in contact with the enemy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldie |first1=Annabelle MacNicholl |title=RAF Battle Honours for Operations Vulcan and Barras |url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2020-03-24/HLWS174 |access-date=28 August 2025 |date=24 March 2020}}</ref>
In 1943, [[George VI of the United Kingdom|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".{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=12}}
Below is a list of battle honours separated by major campaigns which may be claimed by RAF squadrons.
==First World War battle honours== {{div col|colwidth=30em}} * Aegean{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=217}} * [[Battle of Amiens (1918)|Amiens]]<ref name="JB"/>{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} * Arabia{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=217}} * [[Battle of Arras (1917)|Arras, 1917]]<ref name="JB"/>{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} * [[Battle of Cambrai (1917)|Cambrai, 1917]]<ref name="JB"/>{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} * [[East Africa Protectorate|East Africa, 1916–18]]{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=217}} * [[Sinai and Palestine campaign|Egypt, 1914–17]]{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=217}} * Helles{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} * [[Hindenburg Line]]{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}}{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} * Home Defence, 1916–1918{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=258}} * Home Waters 1914–1918{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=258}} * Independent Force & Germany{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=258}} * Isonzo{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} * Italian Front & Adriatic, 1917–18{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=217}}{{efn-lr|Originally awarded as two separate battle honours. They were amalgamated in March 1952.|name=Amalgamation|group=note}} * [[Battle of Loos|Loos]]{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} * [[Battle of the Lys (1918)|Lys]]{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=41}} * Marne (1918){{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} * [[Battle of Megiddo (1918)|Megiddo]] 1918{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=63}} * [[Mesopotamia]], 1915–1918{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=217}} * [[Battle of Messines (1917)|Messines, 1917]]{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=217}} * [[Battle of Mons|Mons]]{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} * [[Battle of Neuve Chapelle|Neuve Chappelle]]{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} * [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–55)|North West Frontier, 1916–1918]]{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=104}} * Palestine (Gaza){{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=56}} * Piave{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} * [[Battle of the Somme|Somme]], 1916{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} * [[Battle of the Somme|Somme, 1918]]<ref name="JB"/>{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} * South-West Africa{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} * Suvia{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} * Vittorio Veneto{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} * [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front, 1914–18]]{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} * Western Front, 1916–17{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=122}} * Western Front, 1917–18<ref name="JB">{{cite book |last1=Beedle |first1=James |title=The Fighting Cocks: 43 (Fighter) Squadron: Royal Flying Corps: Royal Air Force 1916-2009 |date=2011 |publisher=Pen & Sword Aviation |location=Barnsley, South Yorkshire |isbn=9781848843851 |page=243 |edition=3}}</ref>{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} * [[Battle of Passchendaele|Ypres, 1917]]<ref name="JB"/> {{div col end}}
==Inter-War battle bonours== {{div col|colwidth=30em}} *[[Aden Protectorate|Aden]] 1928{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=260}} *Aden 1929{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=260}} *Aden 1934{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=260}} *[[Afghanistan|Afghanistan 1919–1920]]{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=259}} *[[Myanmar|Burma]] 1930–1932 *[[Iraq]] 1919–1920{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} *Iraq 1923–1925{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} *Iraq 1928–1929{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=260}} *[[Kurdistan]] 1919{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *Kurdistan 1922–1924{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *Kurdistan 1930–1931{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *[[Mahsud]] 1919–1920{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=259}} *[[Mohmand]] 1927{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} *Mohmand 1933{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *Northern Kurdistan 1932{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=102}} *[[North Russia Campaign|Northern Russia]] 1918–1919{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *[[North-West Frontier Province (1901–1955)|North West Frontier]] 1930–1931{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}}{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} *North West Frontier 1935–1939{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}}{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} *North West [[Iran|Persia]] 1920{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *[[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] 1936–1939{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=218}} *[[1920 conflict between British forces and Somaliland dervishes|Somaliland 1920]]{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=259}} *South Persia 1918–1919{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *South Russia 1919–1920{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *[[Sudan]] 1920{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=259}} *[[Emirate of Transjordan|Transjordan]] 1924{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=260}} *[[Waziristan]] 1919–1925{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} {{div col end}}
==Second World War battle honours== *[[Anzio]] and [[Nettuno]].<ref name="JB"/> :For operations in support of the Allied landings in [[Italy]] 9–16 September 1943. *[[Arakan]] 1942–1944.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} :For operations by fighter, bomber and transport squadrons in support of the [[First Arakan Offensive|First]] and [[Second Arakan Offensive|Second]] [[Rakhine State|Arakan]] Offensives, November 1942 to February 1943 and November 1943 to March 1944. *[[Arctic]] 1940–1945. :For operations over the Arctic by squadrons of Coastal Command based in [[Iceland]], [[Russia]] and [[Shetland]].{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=154}} *[[Arnhem 1944]]. :For squadrons participating in the operations of the Allied Airborne Army, 17–26 September 1944.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=46}}{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=56}} *[[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] 1939–1945. :For operations by aircraft of [[Coastal Command]] and others employed in the coastal role over the Atlantic Ocean from the outbreak of war to [[VE Day]].{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=260}}
*'''[[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] 1939–1945'''. For operations over the [[Baltic region|Baltic]] and its approaches by squadrons of [[RAF Bomber Command|Bomber]] and Coastal Commands from the outbreak of war to VE Day.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=152}} *'''[[Battle of Britain|Battle of Britain 1940]]'''.<ref name="JB"/><ref name="DR"/> :For interception operations by fighter squadrons over Britain, August to October 1940. *'''[[Berlin]] 1940–1945'''. :For bombardment of Berlin by aircraft of [[RAF Bomber Command|Bomber Command]].{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=261}} *'''[[Biscay]] 1940–1945'''. :For operations over the [[Bay of Biscay]] by aircraft of Coastal and Fighter Commands, and of Bomber Command loaned to Coastal Command between the fall of France and VE Day, 25 June 1940 to 8 May 1945.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=152}}
*'''Biscay Ports 1940–1945'''. For operations over the Bay of Biscay ports from the [[Battle of France|fall of France]] to VE Day.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=152}} *'''[[Bismarck-class battleship|Bismarck]]'''. For operations by aircraft of Coastal command associated with the action against the [[German battleship Bismarck|Bismarck]], 24–29 May 1941.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *'''Burma 1944–1945'''. For operations during the [[Fourteenth Army (United Kingdom)|14th Army]]'s advance from Imphal to [[Rangoon]], the coastal [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious assaults]], and the Battle of [[Pegu Range|Pegu Yomas]], August 1944 to August 1945.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} *'''[[Ceylon]] 1942'''. For operations against Japanese aircraft and naval units by squadrons based in [[Ceylon]] during the Japanese attacks of April 1942.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} *'''[[English Channel|Channel]] And [[North Sea]] 1939–1945'''. For ship attack, [[Anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine]] and [[Naval mine|mining]] operations over the English Channel and North Sea from the outbreak of war to VE Day.<ref name="DR"/> *'''[[Dieppe Raid|Dieppe.]]''' :For squadrons participating in the [[Combined Operations (United Kingdom)|Combined Operations]] [[Dieppe Raid]] ([[Dieppe]], France) on 19 August 1942.<ref name="JB"/>
*'''[[Dunkirk evacuation|Dunkirk.]]''' :For operations covering the evacuation of the [[British Expeditionary Force (World War II)|British Expeditionary Force]] and the French from [[Battle of Dunkirk|Dunkirk]] ([[Operation Dynamo]]), 26 May to 4 June 1940.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=51}}
*'''[[East African campaign (World War II)|East Africa]] 1940–1941'''. For operations over [[Kenya]], the [[Sudan]], [[Abyssinia]], [[Italian Somaliland]], [[British Somaliland]], [[Eritrea]] and the [[Red Sea]] during the campaign which resulted in the conquest of [[Italian East Africa]], 10 June 1940 to 27 November 1941.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} *'''Eastern Waters 1941–1945'''. For operations over waters east of the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] and [[Red Sea]] including the [[Indian Ocean]], [[Bay of Bengal]], [[Java Sea]] and [[South China Sea]] throughout the war with Japan.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=153}} *'''[[Egypt]] And [[Libya]] 1942–1943'''. For operations in the [[Egypt in World War II|defence of Egypt]] and the conquest of Libya, from the outbreak of war against Italy to the retreat of the Axis Forces into [[Tunisia]] 10 June 1940 to 6 February 1943.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} *'''[[El Alamein|El Alamen]]'''. For operations during the retreat to El Alamein and subsequent actions, June to November 1942.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=153}} *'''[[El Hamma]]'''. For operations at El Hamma in support of the [[Battle of the Mareth Line]] by squadrons operationally controlled by [[Desert Air Force|Air Headquarters, Western Desert]], 20–24 March 1943.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=153}} *'''[[Fortress Europe]] 1940–1944'''. For operations by aircraft based in the [[British Isles]] against targets in [[Germany]], [[Italy]] and enemy-occupied Europe, from the fall of France to the [[Operation Overlord|invasion of Normandy]].<ref name="JB"/><ref name="DR"/> *'''[[France]] And [[Germany]] 1944–1945'''. For operations over France, [[Belgium]], the [[Netherlands]] and Germany during the liberation of north-west Europe and the advance into Germany, from the start of air action preparatory to the invasion of France to [[VE Day]], April 1944 to 8 May 1945.<ref name="JB"/>{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=39}} *'''[[France]] And [[Low Countries]] 1939–1940'''. For operations in France and the [[Low Countries]] between the outbreak of war and the fall of France, 3 September 1939 to 25 June 1940.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=56}} *'''German Ports 1940–1945'''. For bombardment of the German ports by aircraft of Bomber and Coastal Commands.{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=261}} *'''[[Greece]] 1940–1941'''. For operations over [[Albania]] and Greece during the Italian and German invasion, whether carried out by squadrons based in Greece or operating from external bases, 28 October 1940 to 30 April 1941.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}}{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=152}} *'''[[Gothic Line]]'''. For operations in support of the breaching of the [[Gothic Line]], August to September 1944.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=153}} *'''[[Gustav Line]]'''. For squadrons participating in the operations against the [[Gustav Line]], May 1944.<ref name="JB"/> *'''Habbaniya'''. For units engaged in the defence of [[RAF Habbaniya]], 30 April to 6 May 1941.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=154}} *'''Home Defence 1940–1945'''. For interception operations after the [[Battle of Britain]], in defence of Great Britain and Northern Ireland against enemy aircraft and flying bombs, November 1940 to 1945.<ref name="JB"/><ref name="DR">{{cite book |last1=Ross |first1=David |last2=Blanche |first2=Bruce |last3=Simpson |first3=Bill |title=The greatest squadron of them all: the definitive history of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, RAuxAF |date=2003 |publisher=Grub Street |location=London |isbn=1904010490 |page=384 |chapter=Appendix 7: the Squadron Standard and Battle Honours}}</ref> *'''Invasion Ports 1940'''. For bombing operations against German-occupied Channel ports, to dislocate enemy preparations for the invasion of England.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *'''Iraq 1941'''. For operations in the defeat of [[Rashid Ali]]'s rebellion, 2–31 May 1941.{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=262}} *'''Italy 1943–1945'''. For operations over Italy.<ref name="JB"/> *'''Madagascar 1942'''. For operations by squadrons of the South African Air Force during and after the landings in [[Madagascar]].{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=154}} *'''Malaya 1941–1942'''. For operations against the Japanese in [[British Malaya|Malaya]], [[Sumatra]] and [[Java (island)|Java]] from 8 December 1941 to 12 March 1942.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=153}} *'''Malta 1940–1942'''. For squadrons participating in defensive, offensive and [[reconnaissance]] operations from Malta during the period of enemy action against the island, 10 June 1940 to 31 December 1942.<ref name="DR"/> *'''Manipur 1944'''. For operations in support of the besieged forces at [[Imphal]], March to July 1944.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=32}} *'''Mediterranean 1940–1943'''. For operations over Italy, Sicily and the [[Mediterranean]] and [[Aegean Sea]]s by aircraft based in the Mediterranean area between 10 June 1940 and 30 June 1943.<ref name="DR"/> *'''Meuse Bridges'''. For squadrons participating in bombing operations against crossings of the [[Meuse]] during the German breakthrough between [[Sedan, France|Sedan]] and [[Dinant]], 12–14 May 1940.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=151}} *'''Normandy 1944'''. For operations supporting the Allied landings in [[Normandy]], the establishment of the lodgement area and the subsequent breakthrough, June to August 1944.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=46}} *'''North Africa 1942–1943'''. For operations in connection with the campaign in French North Africa from the initial landings in Algeria to the expulsion of the Axis Powers from [[Tunisia]], 8 November 1942 to 13 May 1943.<ref name="JB"/> *'''North Burma 1943–1944'''. For the supply by air of General Wingate's first long-range penetration into North Burma, February to June 1943; and for the air supply and support of his second expedition, 5 March to 26 June 1944.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} *'''Norway 1940'''. For operations over [[Norway]] during the German invasion, 9 April to 9 June 1940. Applicable to squadrons based in Norway and those operating from home bases.{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=260}} *'''Pacific 1941–1945'''. For operations against the Japanese in the Pacific theatre throughout the war with Japan, 8 December 1941 to 15 August 1945.{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=261}} *'''Rhine'''. For operations in support of the battle for the [[Rhine]] crossing, 8 February to 24 March 1945.{{sfn|Delve|1994|p=261}} *'''[[Battle of the Ruhr|Ruhr 1940–1945]]'''. For bombardment of the [[Ruhr Area]] by aircraft of Bomber Command.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=39}} *'''Russia 1941–1945'''. For operations from Russian bases.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=154}} *'''Salerno'''. For operations in support of the Allied landings in Italy, 9–16 September 1943.<ref name="JB"/> *'''Sicily 1943'''. For operations in furtherance of the conquest of [[Sicily]] by aircraft based in Africa, [[Malta]] and Sicily, 1 July to 17 August 1943.<ref name="JB"/><ref name="DR"/> *'''South East Europe 1942–1945'''. For operations over Yugoslavia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece.<ref name="DR"/> *'''Special Operations'''. For operations by squadrons regularly assigned to special duties, i.e. the succour of resistance movements in enemy-occupied countries by dropping supplies and by introducing and evacuating personnel by air from the formation of the first special duty flight (20 August 1940), after the fall of France, to VE and VJ Days respectively.{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=154}} *'''Syria 1941'''. For operations over [[Syria]] during the campaign against the [[Vichy French]], 8 June to 12 July 1941.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=36}} *'''The Dams'''. For squadrons participating in the operations for breaching the Mohne, Eder, Serpe and Kembs Dams, May 1943 to October 1944. See [[Operation Chastise]].{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=152}} *'''Tirpitz'''. For operations resulting in the sinking of [[German battleship Tirpitz|Tirpitz]].{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=152}} *'''Walcheren'''. For operations in support of the capture of the island of [[Walcheren]], 3 October to 9 November 1944.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=79}}
==Post 1945 battle honours== *'''Korea 1950–1953'''. :Limited to the three [[Short Sunderland|RAF Sunderland flying boat]] squadrons which flew patrols during the [[Korean War]] but were not involved in confrontation with the enemy. Not authorized to be emblazoned.{{sfn|Ashworth|1989|p=221}}
*'''[[Atlantic Ocean|South Atlantic]] 1982'''. :For service in latitudes between 35° and 60° South during the period 2 April to 14 June 1982. Three of the RAF squadrons involved (Nos. [[No. 1 Squadron RAF|1]], [[No. 18 Squadron RAF|18]] Squadrons and 63 Squadron [[RAF Regiment]]) have the right of emblazonment. See [[Falklands War]].{{sfn|Congdon|1987|p=85}}
*'''[[Gulf War|Gulf]] 1991'''. :For operations against Iraqi invasion forces in [[Kuwait]] January–March 1991.<ref name="JB"/>{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=46}}
*'''[[Bosnian War|Bosnia]] 1995'''. :RAF participation in, or direct support to, the allied air campaign over the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]. Nos [[No. 4 Squadron RAF|IV(AC)]] and [[No. 6 Squadron RAF|6]] Squadrons have the right to emblazonment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Air Force|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=2020-06-23|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb}}</ref>
*'''[[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 [[No. 1 Squadron RAF|1]], [[No. 9 Squadron RAF|9]], [[No. 14 Squadron RAF|14]] and [[No. 31 Squadron RAF|31]] Squadrons have the right to emblazonment, Nos [[No. 7 Squadron RAF|7]], [[No. 8 Squadron RAF|8]], [[No. 23 Squadron RAF|23]], [[No. 51 Squadron RAF|51]], [[No. 101 Squadron RAF|101]] and [[No. 216 Squadron RAF|216]] Squadrons do not.{{sfn|Reuter et al|2011|p=39}}
*'''[[Sierra Leone Civil War|Sierra Leone]] 2000'''. :RAF support of UK military intervention in [[Sierra Leone]]. No [[No. 7 Squadron RAF|7 Squadron]] has the right to emblazonment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Air Force|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=2020-06-23|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb}}</ref>
*'''[[Operation Telic|Iraq]] 2003'''. :RAF support of Invasion of Iraq.<ref name="JB"/>
*'''[[Operation Telic|Iraq]] 2003-2011'''. :RAF operations in Iraq following the invasion in 2003. See [[Operation Telic]].<ref name="HON">{{cite news |title=Royal Air Force squadrons recognised for gallantry |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-air-force-squadrons-recognised-for-gallantry |access-date=27 August 2025 |work=GOV.UK |date=11 October 2017}}</ref>
*'''[[Operation Herrick|Afghanistan]] 2001-2014'''. :RAF support to operations in Afghanistan ([[Operation Herrick]]).<ref>{{cite news |title=RAF Squadrons Receive Battle Honours from Her Majesty The Queen |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-squadrons-receive-battle-honours-from-her-majesty-the-queen/ |access-date=27 August 2025 |work=Royal Air Force |date=24 March 2020}}</ref>
*'''[[Operation Ellamy|Libya]] 2011'''. :RAF support to the [[2011 military intervention in Libya]].<ref name="HON"/>
== Notes == {{notelist-lr}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
=== Sources === *{{cite book|last=Ashworth|first=Chris|title=Encyclopaedia of Modern Royal Air Force Squadrons|year=1989|publisher=Patrick Stephens Limited|location=Wellingborough|isbn=1-85260-013-6}} *{{cite book |last1=Congdon |first1=Philip |title=Per ardua ad astra: a handbook of the Royal Air Force |date=1987 |publisher=Airlife Publishing |location=Shrewsbury |isbn=0906393892 |edition=2}} *{{cite book |last1=Delve |first1=Ken |title=Source book of the RAF |date=1994 |publisher=Airlife Publishing |location=Shrewsbury |isbn=1853104515}} *{{cite book |last1=Reuter |first1=Justin |last2=McEwan |first2=Mark |last3=Howie |first3=Gill |last4=Vissers |first4=Berry |last5=Lee |first5=Geoffrey |title=Tornado F3 : 25 years of air defence |date=2011 |publisher=Squadron Prints |location=Arbroath |isbn=978-0-9512656-5-9|ref={{harvid|Reuter et al|2011}} }}
==External links == *[http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/sqn_hons_ww1.html RAF website]
[[Category:Battle honours]] [[Category:Military awards and decorations of the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Royal Air Force]] [[Category:History of the Royal Air Force|Bat]]