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Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
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Aircrew from 1946
Until 1 July 1946, NCOs serving as aircrew wore the same rank badges as their ground trade colleagues. However, at this time it was decided to introduce a separate rank structure for non-commissioned aircrew. This even extended to separate Messes for aircrew and ground NCOs. The scheme was found unpopular and unworkable and in 1950, non-commissioned aircrew reverted to the traditional ranks with the exception that Sergeant and Flight Sergeant aircrew now adopted a gold eagle above their chevrons and the rank of Master aircrew was retained replacing the rank of Warrant Officer. AMO A.492/46 stated that aircrew were not to be referred to as NCOs but that some equivalence was needed and that equivalence is shown below
| Aircrew Cadet |  |
This rank was allocated to trainee aircrew. |
| Aircrew IV |  |
Equivalent to Corporal |
| Aircrew III |  |
Equivalent to Corporal |
| Aircrew II |  |
Equivalent to Sergeant |
| Aircrew I |  |
Equivalent to Flight Sergeant. |
| Master Aircrew |  |
Equivalent to Warrant Officer. Retained in 1950 and still in existence. |
| Sergeant Aircrew |  |
Replaced Aircrew II, III and IV in 1950 and still used. |
| Flight Sergeant Aircrew |  |
Replaced Aircrew I and still in use. |
| Aircrew Cadet |
 |
Replaced badge above and still in use today |
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, it is likely that the crown on RAF badges will be changed from St Edward's (Queen's) Crown to the Tudor (King's) Crown.
This page was last updated on 17/03/25©
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