RFC/RAF ranks

Hello all. I have read a considerable amount on the RFC/RAF during both World wars but have not been able to determine when the rank designations changed; that is, when did the RAF ditch the army designations and adopt its own unique ones such as Pilot Officer, Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant, etc.

Can anyone assist?

[Testerchild]

Hi,

I believe it was AFTER the war, some time in the twenties. But also bear in mind that the term "Flying Officer" had been in use as a job description, but not a rank, for several years before that. In looking at individual officers' service records I've found that term used again and again from 1915 onwards in the following manner:

"Appointed 2/Lt. (or Lt or whatever) FO (P or O as appropriate), on such and such date).

So it looks like the RAF pinched the term from the army and made it a rank. I think a similar thing happened with Wing Commander, but not with the other officer ranks as far as I can make out. Hope that helps.

[Philip Morten]

The new rank names were introduced by AMO 973 on 27 Aug 19, initially the highest rank was Marshal of the Air but this was quickly changed to Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

Thanks Philip but was that date 27th Aug. 1919 ?

[Philip Morten]

Yes that's right, 27th August 1919

[Graeme]

And the first announcement of awards to RAF personnel using the new ranks appeared in the London Gazette of 10 October 1919.

Graeme