One for the scholars!!

[Brian]

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

[Bruce Dennis]

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

[Brian]

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

[Bruce Dennis]

Originally Posted by Brian

Hi Bruce ...

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

What a pain!

Cheers
Brian

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

Bruce

[Nick Beale]

Google Translate does Latin-English.

[udf_00]

"Omnium Capax Ubique" linked to 894 NAS.

[Brian]

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

[Paul Thompson]

Originally Posted by Brian

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

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

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Paul Thompson

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

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"?

[Nick Beale]

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.

(Heading blithely off-topic …) But how can they tell that if, fundamentally, they are thinking in English — interesting problem of logic there!

Good knowledge of Latin phrases is one sign of superior learning

Sorry but I just see it as evidence of knowing something, there is no rational basis for privileging this particular corner of knowledge above (say) materials science, plant biology, or indeed aerial warfare 1939–45.