RAF squadron's 'offensive' Crusaders nickname dropped after service complaint

One of the RAF's longest-serving squadrons has dropped its 'Crusaders' nickname, with the force saying the name is inappropriate for the 21st century.

14 Squadron is one of the most senior squadrons in the RAF and saw action over Gaza and Palestine during the First World War, earning their unofficial nickname 'The Crusaders'.

The RAF has now said using the historic name has "ceased" following a service complaint.

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An RAF spokesman said: "As a modern and diverse service, our focus must be on not giving prominence to any offensive term that goes against the ethos of the Royal Air Force, therefore, 14 Squadron have ceased using their historic unofficial nickname. 

"The traditions and informal nicknames used by the RAF in the earliest days of the service have a place in our history, however, some are no longer appropriate in the 21st century."

The RAF's review of historical assets and terminology is ongoing and there is a possibility more changes will be made.

The RAF Waddington-based squadron will maintain its Royal Crest symbol, which was approved by King George VI in May 1937.

Since its formation in 1915, the squadron has seen action across the world and is best known for its assistance in defending the holy city of Mecca during the First World War.

The squadron has also seen action in Egypt, Gaza, Palestine, Arabia, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and Iraq.

The squadron has flown aircraft including the Wellesley, Mosquito FBVI, Phantom FGR2, Jaguar and Beechcraft Shadow R1 aircraft.

The squadron's motto, which is written in Arabic, will also remain. A quote taken from the Koran, it says: "I spread my wings and keep my promise." 

The origins of the Crusades can be traced to 1095 when Pope Urban II began a military campaign to take control of the holy lands from Muslim control.

This began a series of back-and-forth campaigns by Christian and Muslim armies for the conquest of the region, particularly control of the holy city of Jerusalem. The campaigns lasted until 1291.

In 2019, a New Zealand rugby squad nicknamed the Crusaders changed their logo depicting a knight and sword in response to the Christchurch terror attack where 51 people were shot and killed at two mosques.