RFC Ranks

[Michael]

The RFC/RAF had Privates as well as Air Mechanics. The distinction seems to be that the latter were technicians (and sometimes flying crew?)

How many privates would be attached to a squadron, and what were their duties (other than fatigues and guard duty?)

[Rick]

If they were anything like a typical German squadron, they would include butchers, farmers, cabinet makers, carpenters, cooks, locksmiths, smiths in general, etc. etc. Just about any trade profession could be found therein.

>The RFC/RAF had Privates as well as Air Mechanics. The
>distinction seems to be that the latter were technicians (and
>sometimes flying crew?)

Here is a list I compiled of the AFC ranks ( for the AFC website which appears to be down ), I dont imagine the RFC system is disimilar. This isnt a complete list either by any means.

Lieutenant Colonel : Army Wing Commander

Major : Squadron Commander

Captain : Flight Commander, Recording Officer, Equipment Officer

Lieutenant : Pilot, Observer, Recording Officer, Equipment Officer, Wireless Officer, Armament Officer

2nd Lieutenant : Pilot, Observer, Pilot in Training, Observer in Training

Cadet : Pilot in Training, Observer in Training

Warrant Officer

Flight Sergeant : Chief Mechanic

Sergeant : Armourer Fitter, Rigger, Gear Mechanic

Corporal : Fitter, Rigger

First Class Air Mechanic : Armourer, Acetylene Welder, Blacksmith, Coppersmith, Tinsmith, Engine Fitter, Gear Mechanic, Aircraft Rigger, Electrician, Magneto-Repairer, Fitter, Machinist, Sailmaker

Second Class Air Mechanic : Armourer, Acetylene Welder, Blacksmith, Coppersmith, Tinsmith, Engine Fitter, Gear Mechanic, Aircraft Rigger, Electrician, Magneto-Repairer, Fitter, Machinist, Sailmaker

Third Class Air Mechanic : Armourer, Acetylene Welder, Blacksmith, Coppersmith, Tinsmith, Engine Fitter, Gear Mechanic, Aircraft Rigger, Electrician, Magneto-Repairer, Fitter, Machinist, Sailmaker

Private : Driver


>How many privates would be attached to a squadron, and
>what were their duties (other than fatigues and guard duty?)

Over it's lifetime, 3 Sqn AFC had 4 Warrant Officers, 8 Flight Sergeants, 27 Sergeants, 32 Corporals, 69 1st Class Air Mechanics, 204 2nd Class Air Mechanics, 5 3rd Class Air Mechanics and 25 Privates.

You often see a Driver next to some of the AFC Nominal Roll entries, i would assume that would be another enlisted non-AM task. Joe Bull who was an AM with 1 Sqn AFC also did enemy aircraft spotting, AA Machine Gun post dudty, work duty with Arabs and several other non Aviation related tasks.


cam