Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
Distribution of Duties - Air Ministry (1944)
[ACAS (Ops) | D of Ops (AD) | DB Ops | D of Ops (Tac) | D of Ops (M) | D of Nav | D of AT | DD Science]
Department of the Chief of the Air Staff
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) (ACAS (Ops))
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
Thomas M Williams | AVM | Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) |
Chairman: -
Member: -
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S E Little | Staff Officer | Ops (CS) Branch Security Officer General administrative matters under the ACAS (Ops) including officers' records. Supervision of clerical staff and other general duties in the Operations directorates. Issue of petrol coupons in the Whitehall area. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, 1944 - AIR 20/7517 (AL32 - Oct 1944)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
Thomas M Williams | AVM | Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) |
Chairman: -
Member: -
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ACAS (Ops) is responsible for the following: - |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, January 1945 - AIR 20/7518 (AL36 - May 1945)
Directorate of Operations (Air Defence) (D of Ops (AD))
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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George M Lawson | A/Cdre | Director of Operations (Air Defence) (D of Ops (AD)) Chairman: -
Member - Defence of Bases Committee Air Staff Representative: -
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G L S Lightfoot | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Operations (Air Defence) 1 (D of
Ops (AD) 1) In charge of Ops (AD) 1, Ops (AD) 2, Ops (AD) 3 and Ops (AD) 4. Member - COS (AA) Shadow Sub-Committee |
D Gilley | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Operations (Air Defence) 2 (D of
Ops (AD) 2) In charge of Ops (AD) 5 and Ops (AD) 6. Member: -
|
Ops AD 1 | ||
G L Sinclair H P F Patten |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr |
Active air defence policy. Operational policy of Fighter Command. Policy questions regarding interception of enemy aircraft and aids to interception. Policy for shore and ship control of shore-based fighter aircraft. Basis of provisioning of items of special equipment for fighter aircraft in Fighter Command. Layout of Groups and Sectors and advice on defence requirements. Operational policy for balloon defences. |
Ops AD 2 | ||
A C Lyell M Cunliffe-Fraser |
Wg Cdr Obs Cdr (ROC) |
AA gun and searchlight defences in the UK. Liaison with Ministry of Home Security in connection with classification of key points. Liaison with Admiralty and War Office in connection with and preparation of plans for submission to the Defence of Bases Committee. Policy relating to the Royal Observer Corps. Secretary - COS (AA) Shadow Sub-Committee. |
Ops AD 3 | ||
S C W Rudd M C Tebbitt |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr |
Policy of air raid reporting and fighter control
organisation in the UK and overseas. Liaison with D of Ops (Tac) where the tactical element is concerned. Operations room procedure. Statistical summaries and analyses of operational data. Matters dealing with plotting room equipment. |
Ops AD 4 | ||
J S Whitman W R Lush |
Wg Cdr Flt Lt |
Policy regarding smoke-screens (excluding airborne
smoke-screens), RAF camouflage and decoy matters. Air staff adviser to Ministry of Home Security on: -
Liaison with Ministry of Home Security on air raid warning policy. Member: -
|
Ops AD 5 | ||
S M Krusin L W Terry |
Wg Cdr Flt Lt |
Preparation and amendment of SD158 (1), SD158
(4) and SD533. Drafting and negotiation of the Rules for Control of Gunfire against Aircraft and associated principles of recognition. Policy and regulations regarding employment of identification devices. Collaboration with Combined Recognition Committee in Washington, and drafting of documents for the Combined Communications Board. Co-ordination between British Joint Recognition Committee and other Committees of the British Joint Communications Board. Secretary - British Joint Recognition Committee |
Ops AD 6 | ||
J H Smith J Monckton M M Monckton |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr SO |
Preparation and amendment of SD158 (2), SD158
(3) and SD158 (5). Investigation of aids to recognition and recognition training. Issue of regulations for the safeguarding of special flights at Home and overseas from engagement by friendly defences. Policy for overseas recognition and routeing. Permission for first flights of new or modified aircraft, and issue of information to defences. Policy for recognition markings. Promulgation of camouflage, colourings and markings. Advice regarding new silhouettes. Air Staff consideration of applications for schedule services by civil airlines and their employment of recognition and identification devices. Preparation and amendment of 'Recognition and routeing (Civil)' (SD464). Investigation of incidents in which aircraft are wrongfully engaged by friendly defences. Clearance of exercises in which air co-operation is provided. Issue of extracts from Admiralty Key Memorandum for civil pilots in the UK and Overseas. Defence consideration for all proposals for armament training areas by Admiralty, War Office and Air Forces stationed in the UK, and other facilities required for non-operational flying. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties - AIR 20/7518 (1945)
Directorate of Bomber Operations (DB Ops)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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S O Bufton | A/Cdre | Director of Bomber Operations (DB Ops) Joint Chairman - Combined Strategic Target Committee Chairman - Bombing Committee (Land Targets) Member -
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H R Graham | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Bomber Operations 1 (DB Ops 1) Bombing policy and operational planning for strategic air forces In charges of B Ops 1 |
N Carter | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Bomber Operations 2 (DB Ops 2) Policy relating to composition, organisation, armament and equipment of strategic bomber forces. In charge of B Ops 2 (a) and B Ops 2 (b). Deputy to DB Ops in his absence. |
B Ops 1 | ||
G H Everitt E J St L Strachey Vacant R G Whitehead J S Stratton |
Wg Cdr Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Flt Off |
Bombing policy, operational planning, and target
selection. Study of results of bomber offensive and liaison with RE8 (Ministry of Home Security) on quantitative analysis of bombing effects. Secretary - Combined Strategic Target Committee Member - Combined Strategic Target Committee Working committees. |
B Ops 2 (a) | ||
D A Davies H H Lawson G D S Koester J M Hicks |
Wg Cdr Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Flt Off |
Current strategic bomber operations in all theatres
and liaison with US Strategic Air Forces. Operational analyses, briefs and forecasts of operational effort and wastage of planning and provisioning purposes. Air Staff policy relating to the composition, organisation and expansion of strategic bomber forces in all theatres including target finding and bomber support units. Advice to Directorates concerned on strategic bomber policy regarding navigational aids, radio counter-measures and night flying equipment. Liaison with MI 14 (e) (War Office) on tactical matters connected with the operation of heavy bombers. |
B Ops 2 (b) | ||
B Tassell V W Armitage E J Manser |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Flt Off |
Air Staff operational policy relating to the
development and provisioning of all forms of offensive weapons and
weapon components employed in bombing operations. Air Staff policy relating to pyrotechnics and ancillary bombing and bomb-carrying equipment generally. |
Operations Records Reports to DB Ops (AL45) | ||
H A Langton F C Farrington A C Sherriff |
Wg Cdr (Officer i/c) Sqn Ldr (Continuity of duties) Sqn Ldr |
Maintenance of continuous watch on current air
operations; receipt and correlation of operational information;
preparation and distribution of operational summaries. The depicting of the general situation in all occupational zones. Preparation and distribution of Orders of Battle. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties - AIR 20/7518 (1945)
Directorate of Operations (Tactical) (D of Ops (Tac))
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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Kenneth B B Cross | A/Cdre | Director of Operations (Tactical) (D of Ops (Tac)) |
J Heber-Percy | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Operations (Tactical) (DD of Ops (Tac)) |
Ops Tac 1 | ||
R M Colebrook J C T Gardner N W Waddington |
Wg Cdr Maj Sqn Ldr |
Operational employment of airborne forces in all
theatres. Co-ordination of operational requirements for, and development of tactical methods for employment of airborne forces in all theatres. Development of, and recommendations for provisioning of equipment for airborne forces. Development of maintenance by air during the assault phase or under conditions of air or ground opposition. Liaison with War Office (Air 2) on military questions and with TO 3 on training questions affecting airborne forces. |
Ops Tac 2 | ||
G M Dunlop J G Boyd |
Lt Col Maj |
Matters concerning Air Observation Post Squadrons,
Helicopters, artillery co-operation, artillery reconnaissance and
air observation of Naval bombardment. Recognition and identification between ground forces and aircraft and air/ground visual communication. Daily military situation in all theatres of war, and advice on general military subjects. Liaison with War Office on: -
Co-ordination of material for monthly Army/Air requirements meetings. |
Ops Tac 3 | ||
C L Page Vacant W McM Gilmour W Percy |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Flt Lt |
Operational employment, recommendations and
requirements for provisioning, of all units of the Tactical Air
Forces. Current operations by all Tactical Air Forces. Use of air smoke weapons and chemical warfare by Tactical Air Forces. Maintenance of Orders of Battle. Maintenance and analysis of operational reports. Liaison with School of Air Support. |
Ops Tac 4 | ||
I M Davies | Sqn Ldr | Organisation for control of aircraft and
communications systems in Tactical Air Forces. Operations and Filter Room procedure as affecting Tactical Air Forces. Requirements for radio counter-measures and navigational aids in Tactical Air Forces. AA and balloon barrage defences in connection with expeditionary forces. Liaison with Combined Operations HQ on participation of tactical air forces in amphibious operations. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties - AIR 20/7518 (1945)
Directorate of Operations (Maritime) (D of Ops (M))
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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Alan D Gilmore | A/Cdre | Director of Operations (Maritime) (D of Ops (M)) Chairman - Trials Sub-Committee of Aircraft and Anti-Ship Committee. Member: -
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W E Oulton | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Operations (Maritime) 1 (DD of
Ops (M) 1) In charge of Ops (M) 1, Ops (M) 2, Ops (M) 3 and Ops (M) 4 |
V C Darling | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Operations (Maritime) 2 (DD of
Ops (M) 2) In charge of Ops (M) 6 Policy relating to: -
|
Ops M 1 | ||
J A Holmes F L Clark |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr |
Policy relating to: -
|
Ops M 2 | ||
J Sanderson | Sqn Ldr | Similar duties to those of Ops M 1 relating to aircraft in Coastal Command performing the Anti U-boat, General Reconnaissance and Meteorological role. |
Ops M 3 | ||
K E Robertson | SO | Miscellaneous matters which do not come within the
terms of the duties specified for DD Ops (M) 2, Ops M 1and Ops M 2. Custody of Secret and Confidential books. Preparation of briefs for Air Interception Committee |
Ops M 4 | ||
C G Maby | Sqn Ldr | Current operations (Anti U-boat and General
Reconnaissance) and Operational Analyses and Returns. Preparation of papers and briefs for the Anti U-boat Warfare and Aircraft Anti U-boat Committees. |
Ops M 6 | ||
R V Palmer | Sqn Ldr | Current operations (Anti-ship) and Operational
Analyses and Returns. Preparation of papers and briefs for the Aircraft Anti-ship Committee. |
Naval Liaison Officer (NLO) | ||
N Kennedy | Cdr RN | Adviser on naval operational matters. Liaison between Admiralty and Air Ministry with special reference to Anti U-boat and Anti-ship operations. Member of Enemy Shipping Losses Assessment Committee. |
Air Staff Liaison (ASL) | ||
G R M Clifford R J O Compston |
Gp Capt Wg Cdr |
Representation of D of Ops (M) within the Admiralty. Maintenance of close liaison with Coastal Command and representation for them as and when required within the Admiralty. Assistance to Admiralty in studying problems Affecting Coastal Command operations or similar operations in Overseas theatres of war. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties - AIR 20/7518 (1945)
Directorate of Navigation (D of Nav)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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G I L Saye | A/Cdre | Director of Navigation (D of Nav) |
W G Moseby | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Navigation (DD of
Nav) Definition of air navigation policy in relation to technique, operational requirements, maps and charts, standards of training and personnel matters. Study of navigational problems in relation to current and projected air operations. Control of Nav P 1, Nav P2 and Nav (Maps) |
M Wyatt | Wg Cdr | Assistant Director of Navigation (AD of Nav (Met)) Liaison with Meteorological Office on questions relating to current and projected air operations. Definition and co-ordination of policy in relation to Meteorological Reconnaissance Units. Secretarial duties to the Meteorological Policy Committee. Study of navigational and meteorological briefing procedures. Air Staff representative on Meteorological Research Committee. |
Nav P 1 | ||
E H Bagnald | Wg Cdr | Air navigation policy in relation to technique and
standards of training and study of developments in navigating
technique. Maintenance of history sheets for navigating personnel and liaison with directorates responsible for establishments and postings, in regard to such personnel. Policy with regard to air navigation literature and publicity and security matters relating to air navigation |
Nav P 2 | ||
J F Davis | Sqn Ldr | Air navigation policy in relation to operational
requirements. Study of technical developments in navigation in consultation OR 3 (a) and AD of S (Rav/Nav). Policy in relation to RAF map, chart and aerial survey in consultation with D Survey. |
Nav (Maps) | ||
R O Buchanan | Sqn Ldr | Special map requirements for Air Ministry. Collection and collation of specialized information to be shown on RAF operational maps. General liaison officer between Air Ministry branches and D Survey. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties - AIR 20/7518 (1945)
Directorate of Air Tactics (DAT)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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Thomas C Traill | A/Cdre | Director of Air Tactics (DAT) Chairman: -
Member: -
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A C P Carver | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Air Tactics 1 (DDAT
1) Development of tactical doctrine. Planning and preparation of tactical papers. Policy of Tactical Development Units. Control of AT 1, AT 2, AT 3 and AT 5. |
F G Brookman | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Air Tactics 2 (DDAT
2) Continuity of the work of the Directorate. Co-ordination of crew requirements for operational aircraft. Secretary - Bombing Committee (Land Targets). Control of AT 4, AT 6 and AT 7. |
AT 1 | ||
H A S Johnston | Wg Cdr | Investigation and study of the tactical use of
fighter aircraft and of the tactics of fighter forces. Liaison with Central Fighter Establishment. |
AT 2 | ||
K P Smales | Wg Cdr | Investigation and study of the tactical use of
bomber aircraft and of the tactics of bomber forces, and of the air
tactical aspect of airborne operations. Liaison with Bombing Development Unit, Bomber Support Development Unit and Air Transport Tactical Development Unit. |
AT 3 | ||
B E Dobb | Wg Cdr | Investigation and study of the tactical use of
maritime aircraft and of the tactics of maritime air forces
(including bombing, fighting, torpedo and anti-submarine tactics). Liaison with Air/Sea Warfare Development Unit. |
AT 4 | ||
W H Clark | Sqn Ldr | Air Tactic Bureau: -
Liaison on matters affecting tactical records with Air Ministry War Room, Admiralty, War Office and Combined Operations HQ. |
AT 4 (a) | ||
J L B Norris | Flt Lt | Extracting and recording of tactical data of Bomber
and Coastal Command's activities and of similar activities overseas, Assistance to AT 2 and AT 3. |
AT 4 (b) | ||
D H Keary | Sqn Ldr | Extracting and recording of tactical data affecting fighter aircraft in tactical air forces and other formations, and on the tactical aspects of airborne operations. |
AT 4 (c) | ||
L C Filmer | Flt Lt | Extracting and recording of tactical information
other than that undertaken by AT 4 (a) and (b), including
information on Allied and enemy aircraft affecting tactics. Supervision of recording system of the Air Tactics Bureau. Assistance to AT 4. |
AT 5 | ||
C J Giles | Wg Cdr | Advice on armament questions and study of armament development affecting tactics. |
AT 6 | ||
D M Gent | Flt Off | Assistant to DDAT 2. Circulation of DAT tactical papers, crew schedules and reports from CFE, BDU and ASWDU. Enquiries regarding composition of crews of operational aircraft. |
Deputy Directorate of Science (DD Science)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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A C Menzies | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Science (DD Science) Also Deputy Scientific Adviser to the Air Ministry. Reports on administrative policy to ACAS (Ops) and on all matters relating to operational research jointly to ACAS (Ops) and SAAM. On purely scientific matters he reports to SAAM |
Science 1 | ||
L A MacDonnell | Wg Cdr | Administration for DD Science. Establishment of Operational Research Sections at home and overseas in conjunction with S2. Receipt and distribution of Operational Research Section Reports. Moves of Operational Research Section personnel in conjunction with MAP. Liaison with overseas sections. |
J E Linton | Sqn Off | Co-ordination of information from Operational Research Sections on Radar emissions. |
M P L Wall | Sqn Ldr | Co-ordination of information from Operational Research Sections on subjects other than Radar, |
M Keith | Flt Off | General assistance to Head of branch. |
Science 2 | ||
I C de Teissier P G Ashmore R E MacPherson R W H Stevenson D Rind |
Senior Scientific Officer Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr SO |
Special investigations. |
Science 3 | ||
Dr D C Gordon Dr H R Pitt T E Easterfield O L S Philpot L Farrington Mrs C Pitt |
Principal Scientific Officer (also Research Adviser
on Manpower Economy) Senior Scientific Officer Scientific Officer Sqn Ldr Flt Lt Junior Scientific Officer |
Investigation of scientific aspects of problems
connected with manpower, scales of effort ands maintenance. Scientific investigation of indices to measure the relative efficiency of aircraft types, and other problems which affect operations but which are not directly operational in character. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties - AIR 20/7518 (1945)
This page was last updated on 19/07/22