Out of the way stations like Amman and Shaiba and Khartoum where officers and men were on their own and had to look after each other were usually happy stations. Amman certainly was. The Emir Abdulla [Abdullah I of Jordan] looked on us as friends and treated us with great courtesy, which we very much appreciated. The Squadron had formed in 1915 and had served in Palestine and Trans-Jordan ever since. Our badge was a winged crusaders’ shield with Cross of St. George, and while I was in command we had to get it approved by the Chester Herald. At the same time we had to find ourselves a motto. I felt that an Arabic motto would be fitting and after consultation with Peake Pasha [Major General Frederick Gerard Peake] he took the Minister of Education with him and sought an interview with His Highness. We were a little afraid that the Emir might put us in an embarrassing position by suggesting something much too long, but not a bit of it, he saw quickly what was wanted and told them to be quiet. After a moment’s thought he came out with five words from the Koran, with chapter and verse, meaning: – “I spread my wings and I keep my promise.” We were honoured and delighted.
From: The memoirs of Thomas Cathcart Traill, chapter 14 Trans-Jordan.
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