RAF Station Crests and Mottos, where did they originate?

To answer this question (as I am currently involved in the design & submission of a badge for my current (un-badged) unit)

Any unit can submit a design providing that;

The unit has a minimum of 75 personnel on strength
The unit has been in existence for at least three years and will be in existence for at least five years from the date of submission
The unit has an operational role

NB: For "unit" read Sqn - be it either a flying Sqn or a ground based unit

There is usually a degree of understanding/leeway for the above criteria (i.e. how operational is operational?)

The use of existing motto's and other units badges is not allowed but similar animals/objects can be used with new mottos. Previous disbanded Sqn's badges cannot be utilised either

Once a design is finalised by a unit requesting a badge, it is submitted to RAF Ceremonial at NHT for approval. This process normally takes six months "ish". It is more likely for NHT to suggest minor tweaks to a design rather than complete refusal and suggestions will be given to allow all parties to agree to the alterations

Once this process has been reached, the design is then submitted to HMTQ's Chester Herald for final approval and "colourisation" and then submission to HMTQ. Once this point is reached the design cannot be changed

I hope this explains the process as to how a unit (Sqn) can apply. I assume the process is very similar for actual bases

Tony H