Royal Army Chaplain's Department, British Army

ROYAL ARMY CHAPLAIN'S DEPARTMENT, BRITISH ARMY

History: Raised in 1796 as the Army Chaplain's Department. Granted the Royal prefix in 1919.

(Christian)

(Jewish)

Official blazon

Christian: A Maltese Cross in silver plate, in the centre a circle inscribed "In this Sign Conquer" in gilt; within the circle a quartrefoil voided in gilt; the ground of the motto, circle and quatrefoil in in blue enamel. all wihtin a wreath in gilt, the right branch being of oak and the left of laurel; the whole badge surmounted by a crown in gilt.

Jewish: the Star of David in silver plate enclosing a quatrefoil in gilt on blue enamel as in the badge of Christian Chaplains; the whole within an oak and laurel wreath, surmounted by a crown in gilt.

Origin/meaning

The Motto alludes to the tale of Conastantine the Great, who during his march towards his enemies in Rome saw a a Cross in the Sky together with the words "In this sign thou shalt conquer". He then went on to defeat his oponent Maxentius, and become Emperor of Rome. During his reign Christianity become State Religion of the Emnpire. The Jewish Chaplains' Badge shows the Magen David (Star or Shield of David), the foremost sign of Judaism.