Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 15, 2018 20:27:28 GMT 12
Here's an article from the WAIKATO INDEPENDENT newspaper, published on the 23rdof MAY 1940
AIR FORCE MOTTO
SELECTION OF “PER ARDUA AD ASTRA”
EARLY DISAGREEMENT
The proud motto of the Royal Air Force, “Per Ardua ad Astra” was not achieved without a good deal of the “difficulties” and “labour” which it glorifies.
One of the most valued records in the archives of the Air Ministry is an old official file bearing the title “R.F. Corps—Motto for, Suggested.” It tells the story of a battle royal fought out between the departmental chiefs who controlled the Royal Flying Corps nearly 30 years ago. The trouble was over the meaning attached to the words “Per Ardua.” Some said they meant “By Labour (or difficulties).” Others held that it meant “Through the High Places of Heaven.” It was even said that the words had no proper meaning, used in this way.
In strictly official language the protagonists argued their several views, supporting them by quotations from Virgil and by “second opinions” from eminent Latin scholars. Some, while politely refraining from calling into question their opponents’ knowledge of Latin, offered their own scholastic credentials for inspection with modest pride.
“Per Ardua ad Astra” was originally suggested by Brigadier-General Henderson, chairman of the R.F.C. Committee. The big gun behind him was the president, Captain (afterward major-general) William Sefton Brancker, who became Air Vice-Marshal and Director of Civil Aviation, and died in the wreck of the airship R101.
The rival camp was headed by Lieutenant-General Sir John Cowan. They proposed “Altiora Petamus” (Let us seek higher things) as an alternative motto for the flying service. Without taking sides, the Admiralty “saw no objection” to Per Ardua.
Finally, the controversy was settled by the Secretary of State, Colonel Seely (now Lord Mottistone). He gave a judgment of Solomon, with the “While disagreeing, with great respect, with the interpretation of Ardua,” he wrote, “I think ‘Per Ardua ad Astra’ is preferable.” Royal assent was obtained. And so was born what has been described as the most appropriate device under which any corps in history has ever fought — “By Labour to the Stars.”
AIR FORCE MOTTO
SELECTION OF “PER ARDUA AD ASTRA”
EARLY DISAGREEMENT
The proud motto of the Royal Air Force, “Per Ardua ad Astra” was not achieved without a good deal of the “difficulties” and “labour” which it glorifies.
One of the most valued records in the archives of the Air Ministry is an old official file bearing the title “R.F. Corps—Motto for, Suggested.” It tells the story of a battle royal fought out between the departmental chiefs who controlled the Royal Flying Corps nearly 30 years ago. The trouble was over the meaning attached to the words “Per Ardua.” Some said they meant “By Labour (or difficulties).” Others held that it meant “Through the High Places of Heaven.” It was even said that the words had no proper meaning, used in this way.
In strictly official language the protagonists argued their several views, supporting them by quotations from Virgil and by “second opinions” from eminent Latin scholars. Some, while politely refraining from calling into question their opponents’ knowledge of Latin, offered their own scholastic credentials for inspection with modest pride.
“Per Ardua ad Astra” was originally suggested by Brigadier-General Henderson, chairman of the R.F.C. Committee. The big gun behind him was the president, Captain (afterward major-general) William Sefton Brancker, who became Air Vice-Marshal and Director of Civil Aviation, and died in the wreck of the airship R101.
The rival camp was headed by Lieutenant-General Sir John Cowan. They proposed “Altiora Petamus” (Let us seek higher things) as an alternative motto for the flying service. Without taking sides, the Admiralty “saw no objection” to Per Ardua.
Finally, the controversy was settled by the Secretary of State, Colonel Seely (now Lord Mottistone). He gave a judgment of Solomon, with the “While disagreeing, with great respect, with the interpretation of Ardua,” he wrote, “I think ‘Per Ardua ad Astra’ is preferable.” Royal assent was obtained. And so was born what has been described as the most appropriate device under which any corps in history has ever fought — “By Labour to the Stars.”
