One for the scholars!!
 

Hi guys

The motto of 806 Squadron was Sursum in Pusnam

What does it mean?

I believe 'Sursum' translate into 'Upwards' ........

I'm sure someone will know!

Cheers
Brian

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

Hello Brian,
I understood 806 FAA Squadron motto to be Omnium Capax Ubique. That said, Sursum in pugnam = Up and into the fight.

Regards,
Bruce

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

Hi Bruce

You may well be correct, I will have to re-check my source!

Thanks - how does the motto you suggest translate?

When you've got 5 minutes to spare, may I ask you to have a look at
ADM234/369 (for PQ18) - and copy? That will be yet another coffee!

Incidentally, that huge file you sent me 'disappeared'. Are you able to re-send it?

What a pain!

Cheers
Brian

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

Google Translate does Latin-English.

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

"Omnium Capax Ubique" linked to 894 NAS.

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

Many thanks, udf

Now I'm confused!

Of course we'll sort this, but very interesting.

I've also been informed that Sursum in Pugnam means 'Upwards into Battle'.

Cheers
Brian

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

Brian,

First of all, clear your private message inbox, it's full.

On the subject of this thread, the following link gives the translation that Bruce provided above "Up and into the fight" - http://www.militaryfigures.co.uk/roy...8/806-squadron

I think that Latin, especially classical Latin, cannot be exactly translated into English. It is best to use the translation that was used by the RAF or FAA during the war.

Warm regards,

Paul

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

Hello Brian,
Do you mean the files on PQ18 sent in October?

Bruce

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

I wish you'd told my school that, it would have saved me a lot of time and effort! Latin can be translated into English OK (it's the basis of much of the language, after all) but mottos are another thing because they tend to be stylised or part of a longer quote which you have to already know in full for it to make any sense. Latin quotations are sometimes used by those wishing to demonstrate what they imagine to be their superior learning (Boris Johnson springs to mind for some reason) so a degree of obscurity is all part of the desired effect.

For "sursum in pugnam" could I suggest "Up and at 'em"?

Re: One for the scholars!!
 

Hello Nick, I have it on very good authority of multiple Classicists that one cannot usually translate Latin into English without losing some of the original sense and logic of the text, more so than with translation from modern European languages. Your point is very sensibe, translation is not an impossible task, as no doubt you eventually found out at school:) Good knowledge of Latin phrases is one sign of superior learning, the problem that Mr. Johnson and others suffer from is that their education is not quite well-rounded.

I like "up and at 'em'", but in this case the FAA chose another option as the 'received translation'. I am sure someone at AHB (Air Historical Branch) can clarify just how the RAF and FAA choose what English translation of the Latin to adopt. This could be a question worth asking in an email.

Warm regards,

Paul