14F.co.uk
In the late summer of 2003, the Squadron asked the Cadets to design a crest and pen a motto for the Squadron as nothing had been previously approved.
In
the 1970’s Flt Lt Dennis Tann, an officer of 14F put together a motif to be
used on the Squadron tie. It
consisted of a large white bird (believed to be an Albatross) clasping the
letter F with XIV above the bird.
The
task set to the Cadets was, to design a crest for the Squadron and pen a motto
reflecting the Squadron’s history, future and drive.
And after discussions within the Squadron, the criteria set for the
design were as follows:
-
To incorporate the design created by Flt Lt Tann,
-
To create a link to the history of Royal Air Force Northolt, with respect to the Polish airman who served at the station during the Second World War.
-
Pen a motto.
There
were various ideas coming in from Cadets. The
two main paths that were followed consisted of having the F clasping Albatross
in front of the red and white check of the Polish Airforce, and with a motto in
either English or Polish.
After
careful consideration the design that was chosen to represent 14F consisted of:
A
dark blue ring with crown containing the Squadrons number and name in gold
lettering. The centre containing the F clasping Albatross with XIV above it, in
front of the Polish check.
The
motto chosen, ‘Endure and Overcome’, was taken from a proposed Motto by
Corporal Matthew Evans whom had looked up details of the Albatross and those
words came from the definition of the bird.
On
December 5th, 2003 the crest was unveiled to the Squadron, Parents of
Cadets and Guests at 14F’s Annual Presentation Evening.
14F ‘Northolt’ Squadron
AIR
TRAINING CORPS,
‘Endure and Overcome’