One of the longest-serving squadrons in Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) has ditched its "Crusaders" nickname after just one complaint that it might be offensive to Muslims.
The historic nickname originated during the First World War when the 14 Squadron saw action over Gaza and Palestine. It's been their unofficial nickname ever since, and you must admit, it's pretty epic.
But it's 2024, and all good things must come to an end to avoid hurting anyone's precious feelings.
The single complaint that the term "crusaders" was insulting has forced crews to remove any references to the nickname from their hangar. Members of the RAF crew aren't too happy about their nickname, which they've had for decades, being canceled.
We have to take down every mention of Crusaders from our base.
Squadron associations will have to be renamed, it is like we've been cancelled. Somehow, now, in 2024, 'Crusaders' is an offensive term. Previously, nobody was offended.
If they'd have asked members of the squadron, rather than dictating this change, almost everyone would have been in favour of retaining 'Crusaders,' because it is so much part of our history.
There was never any prejudice or malice in the name. Every squadron, every regiment has a past. But if that past doesn't suit current thinking it will be erased.
Though we don't know who made the complaint, the issue with the nickname is obvious. The Crusades were a religious war between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East. The 14 Squadron's motto, "I spread my wings and keep my promise," is actually a quote from the Quran and is even written in Arabic on the royal crest.
A RAP spokesman said the nickname is "no longer appropriate in the 21st century."
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.
As Nigel Farage said, the Western world is "giving in" on things that may offend folks in Saudi Arabia. Maybe it's time Islamic states give in to some Western complaints.
I can name a few things much more offensive than a nickname.
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