[citation needed] This practice was inherited by the RAF from its Army and Navy predecessors upon its creation in 1918.
Battle honors are not awarded for every operation conducted by British forces and not every squadron taking part in an operation is entitled to emblazon the honor on their standard, only those involved in contact with the enemy.
[citation needed] In 1943, King George VI approved the award of a Standard to RAF squadrons who have 25 years of service in either the RAF, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Royal Naval Air Service or Royal Flying Corps.
Standards can also be awarded to units which have "earned the King's appreciation for outstanding operations".
[citation needed] Below is lists of battle honors which may be claimed by RAF squadrons.