Discipline and the RFC

How were the Kings Regulations enforced among members of the RFC? I'm assuming the same rules applied to the mechanics and riggers and sappers as they did to the ordinary soldier in the field and that they got up up to mischief inspite of their never ending round of duties. Were 'crimes' judged by officers at the squadron or wing level? Was there a Judge Advocate General who oversaw these matters? What were the most common 'crimes' and punishments? Can anyone throw some light on this area of aerodrome life? Just book references would be good.
Thanks, Bruce

Most discipline issues were handled at squadron level; the squadron leader dealt with pilots and other officers, and the squadron's senior sergeant handled riggers, fitters and other enlisted types. There's not much evidence for life in the ranks on wartime aerodromes, at least not that I've encountered. As for pilots, all of the letters, journals, etc. that I've seen make it clear that squadron leaders had a lot of leeway when it came to enforcing discipline. The general rule was that nothing was punished unless it adversely affected the performance of the squadron in the air. And even this rule was interpreted generously to allow some truly prodigious binges in the evenings.

Day-to-day regs concerning such things as dress and deportment were let slide as well; only if a pilot was thought to be malingering would a CO take notice of other violations of regs. Remembering that most of these pilots were young men not that far removed from school, and you can see how a relaxed attitude toward discipline might have evolved.

Countering that, though, it should also be remembered that most pilots came from a class which instilled in its young men some pretty harsh (to us) habits of discipline. Pilots on active duty weren't the non-stop ravers fiction and film sometimes makes them out to be.

[Lufbery]

Michael,

Could the same thing be said of the American Army Air Corps?

-Drew

Drew:
I've not studied the USAS so I can't really answer your question. There must be Forumites who can speak to this. Anybody?

Just a comment. From what I've read most American pilots were happier when under the control of the British. They felt that discipline was to harsh once they were transfered back to U.S. control. Some felt more committed to the RFC/RAF than to the USAS. They were proud to have served with British units, or under British control and even wore Brit type wings after the transition.

Steve

Discipline for all ranks would be dealt with by the unit commander, usually a major. Any soldier could ask for his case to be heard at a higher level i.e court martial. The unit commander could refuse this if the case was insignificant. For a man to take his case to this level was risky as the level of punishments available to a court martial was higher. Many cases would be classed as beyond the local commanders juristiction and would be transferred automatically to higher authority. In the case of an RFC squadron this would be to the Brigade commander.

British troops at this time would have been covered by Kings Regulations and Orders for the Army 1912 ammended 1/8/1914.

andy