Medical Officer's Collar Badge, Ptn 1918

Medical officers in the RAF can be distinguished by their collar badges depicting the twin entwined serpents and winged staff of the Caduceus of Mercury.

Three patterns of Medical Officer’s collar badges were introduced during the first two years of the RAF’s existence. This example is the first pattern introduced in 1918. The same year saw the introduction of a second pattern depicting the Rod of Asclepius, topped by a crown and with the motto 'Nec Aspera Terrent' (difficulties be damned), below. In 1920 a third design, similar to the first but with a crown, was adopted and has remained in use to this day.