305 (City of Northern Beaches) Squadron

Originally formed in 1946 as No. 5 Flight New South Wales Squadron Air Training Corps, the now, No. 305 Squadron "City of Northern Beaches" Australian Air Force Cadets. The unit badge features a phoenix essorant as the central element. The Phoenix is a mythological bird similar to an eagle which possessed a splendid golden-red plumage that made it look like it was wrapped up in flames.

According to legend, only one Phoenix lived at a time for 500 years. When it felt death was upon it, it would build a funeral pyre and be consumed by flames. From the ashes arose a new Phoenix with renewed youth and beauty. Thus the Phoenix became the symbol of rebirth.

The adoption of the Phoenix by No. 305 Squadron is representative of the Squadron’s resurgence as a unit from the “ashes” of its antecedent unit (No. 5 Flight New South Wales Squadron Air Training Corps). The Phoenix is shown flying over a stylised ocean representing No.305 Squadron’s association with the Northern Beaches region of Sydney.

The Squadron’s Latin motto “Quinta Fuerit Prima” translates as “The Fifth Shall Certainly be First” and captures both the history of 305 Squadron (as No. 5 Flight) and the aspirations of its members – to be first among equals.