The 816 Squadron Crest depicts the head of a Bengal tiger on a black field in allusion to it's warlike and courageous qualities. The motto, 'Imitate the Action of the Tiger', is drawn from the extract of Wiliam Shakespeare's 'Henry V' shown below.
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the wall up with our English dead!
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard favour'd rage;
Then lend the eye a terrible aspect.
William Shakespeare's Henry V (Act III Scene I)
crest_816sqn.gif