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Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
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The tables below show the various trades in each Trade Group giving a comparison of how trades changed, were added or became obsolete from 1919 to 1944.
Group I
| 1919 | 1938 | 1942 | 1944 |
| Airfield Controller | |||
| Architectural Draughtsman | |||
| Blacksmith | To Group II | ||
| Blacksmith & Welder | Blacksmith & Welder | Blacksmith & Welder | |
| Carpenter I | |||
| Carpenter (boat builder) | Carpenter (boat builder) | ||
| Carpenter (motor body builder) | |||
| Carpenter (propeller maker) | |||
| Camera Repairer | |||
| Carpenter (rigger) | |||
| Civil Engineering Assistant | |||
| Clerk of Works | |||
| Compass Adjuster | |||
| Coppersmith | To Group II | ||
| Coppersmith & Sheet Metal Worker | Coppersmith & Sheet Metal Worker | Coppersmith & Sheet Metal Worker | |
| Draughtsman | Draughtsman | Draughtsman | Draughtsman |
| Draughtsman (mechanical) | |||
| Duty Pilot | Duty Pilot | ||
| Electrician (compass setter & repairer) | |||
| Electrician Grade I | Electrician Grade I | Electrician Grade I | |
| Electrician Works Grade I | |||
| Engine Driver (fitter) | Engine Driver (fitter) | ||
| Fitter (aero engine) | Fitter (aero engine) | Fitter (aero engine) | |
| Fitter (armourer) | |||
| Fitter (armourer, bombs) | Fitter (armourer, bombs) | Fitter (armourer, bombs) | |
| Fitter (armourer, guns) | Fitter (armourer, guns) | Fitter (armourer, guns) | |
| Fitter (armourer, torpedo) | |||
| Fitter (constructional) | |||
| Fitter (driver, petrol) | |||
| Fitter (driver, steam) | |||
| Fitter (general) | Fitter (general) | ||
| Fitter (jig & tool maker) | |||
| Fitter (marine) | Fitter (marine) | Fitter (marine) | |
| Fitter (MT) | Fitter MT | Fitter MT | Fitter MT |
| Fitter (millwright) | |||
| Fitter (stationary engine) | |||
| Fitter (torpedo) | Fitter (torpedo) | ||
| Fitter I | Fitter I | Fitter I | |
| Fitter II (Airframe) | Fitter II (Airframe) | Fitter II (Airframe) | |
| Fitter II (Engine) | Fitter II (Engine) | Fitter II (Engine) | |
| High Speed Telegraphist | |||
| Instrument Maker | Instrument Maker | Instrument Maker & Repairer | |
| Instrument Maker & Camera Repairer | |||
| Instrument Repairer Grade I | Instrument Repairer Grade I | ||
| Link Trainer Instructor | Link Trainer Instructor | Link Trainer Instructor | |
| Link Trainer Instructor (visual) | Link Trainer Instructor (visual) | ||
| Machine Tool Setter & Operator | Machine Tool Setter & Operator | Machine Tool Setter & Operator | |
| Metal Rigger | Metal Rigger | ||
| Metal Worker | Metal Worker | ||
| Motor Boat Coxswain | |||
| Moulder | Moulder | ||
| Pattern Maker | Pattern Maker | ||
| Radar Mechanic | |||
| Radar Mechanic A | |||
| Radar Mechanic B | |||
| Radar Mechanic F | |||
| Radar Mechanic G | |||
| Radar Mechanic R | |||
| Radio Mechanic | Radio Mechanic | ||
| Turner | |||
| Wireless Mechanic | Wireless Mechanic | Wireless Mechanic | Wireless Mechanic |
| Wireless Operator | |||
| Wireless and Electrical Mechanic | Wireless and Electrical Mechanic | Wireless and Electrical Mechanic | |
| Wireless Operator Mechanic | Wireless Operator Mechanic | Wireless Operator Mechanic |
Group II
| 1919 | 1938 | 1942 | 1944 |
| Acetylene Welder | Acetylene Welder | Acetylene Welder | Acetylene Welder |
| Aerial Erector | |||
| Armoured Car Crew | Armoured Car Crew | Armoured Car Crew | |
| Armourer | |||
| Armourer (bomb disposal) | |||
| Armourer (bombs) | Armourer (bombs) | Armourer (bombs) | |
| Armourer (guns) | Armourer (guns) | Armourer (guns) | |
| Armourer (Torpedo) | |||
| Balloon Basket Maker | |||
| Balloon Operator | Balloon Operator | Balloon Operator | |
| Blacksmith | Blacksmith | Blacksmith | |
| Bricklayer | Bricklayer | Bricklayer | |
| Camera Repairer | |||
| Camouflage Supervisor | |||
| Carpenter | Carpenter | Carpenter | Carpenter |
| Driller | |||
| Electrician | |||
| Coach Painter | Coach Painter | ||
| Coppersmith | Coppersmith | Coppersmith | |
| Electrician Grade II | Electrician Grade II | Electrician Grade II | |
| Electrician (wireman) | Electrician (wireman) | ||
| Flight Mechanic (airframe) | Flight Mechanic (airframe) | Flight Mechanic (airframe) | |
| Flight Mechanic (engine) | Flight Mechanic (engine) | Flight Mechanic (engine) | |
| Foreman of Trades | |||
| Grinder | Grinder | Grinder | |
| Hydrogen Worker (also Group III) | |||
| Instrument Repairer | |||
| Instrument Repairer Grade II | Instrument Repairer Grade II | Instrument Repairer Grade II | |
| Interpreter (technical) | |||
| Kite Balloon Telephonist | |||
| Machinist | |||
| Magneto Repairer | |||
| Mechanic (stationary engine) | |||
| Mechanic, Mechanical Transport | Mechanic, Mechanical Transport | Mechanic, Mechanical Transport | |
| Meteorologist (civilianized) | Meteorologist (civilianized) | Meteorologist (civilianized) | |
| Miller | Miller | Miller | |
| Packer | |||
| Pattern Maker (architectural) | Pattern Maker (architectural) | Pattern Maker (architectural) | |
| Photographer | Photographer | Photographer | Photographer |
| Plant Operator | |||
| Plumber | Plumber | Plumber | |
| Quarryman | |||
| Radar Operator | |||
| Radio Operator | Radio Operator | Radio Operator | |
| Radio Telephony Operator II | |||
| Radio Telephony Operator D/F II | |||
| Rigger (aeroplane) | |||
| Rigger (airship) | |||
| Safety Equipment Operator/Worker? | |||
| Sheet Metal Worker | Sheet Metal Worker | Sheet Metal Worker | |
| Steel Erector | Steel Erector | Steel Erector | |
| Tinsmith & Sheet Metal Worker | |||
| Turner | Turner | Turner | Turner |
| Wireless Operator | Wireless Operator | Wireless Operator |
Group III
| 1919 | 1938 | 1942 | 1944 |
| Assistant Armourer | |||
| Balloon Fabric Worker | Balloon Fabric Worker | ||
| Balloon Rigger | Balloon Rigger | ||
| Balloon Rigger/Fabric Worker | Balloon Rigger/Fabric Worker | ||
| Blacksmith's Striker | |||
| Butcher | |||
| Caterer | |||
| Concreter | Concreter | Concreter | |
| Cook | Cook | ||
| Cook and Butcher | Cook and Butcher | Cook and Butcher | |
| Coppersmith's Mate | |||
| Deckhand | |||
| Drainlayer | Drainlayer | Drainlayer | |
| Driver (motor boat) | |||
| Driver (petrol) | |||
| Driver (steam) | |||
| Driver (winch and fitter) | |||
| Driver, Winch (balloon) | Driver, Winch (balloon) | ||
| Embarkation Assistant | |||
| Fabric Worker | Fabric Worker | Fabric Worker | Fabric Worker |
| Hospital Orderly | |||
| Hydrogen Worker | Hydrogen Worker | Hydrogen Worker | Hydrogen Worker (also Group II) |
| Labourer | |||
| Motor Boat Crew | Motor Boat Crew | Motor Boat Crew | |
| Motor Cyclist | |||
| Musician | To Group V | ||
| PAC Operator | PAC Operator | PAC Operator | |
| Parachute Repairer | Parachute Repairer | Parachute Repairer | |
| Packer's Mate | |||
| Safety Equipment Assistant | |||
| Seaplane Wader | |||
| Shoemaker | Shoemaker | Shoemaker | Shoe Repairer |
| Stoker | |||
| Tailor | Tailor | Tailor | Tailor |
| Telephone Operator | |||
| Telephonist | |||
| Upholsterer | |||
| Vulcaniser |
Group IV
| 1919 | 1938 | 1942 | 1944 |
| Clerk, accounting | Clerk, accounting | Clerk, accounting | |
| Clerk (general) | |||
| Clerk, General Duties | Clerk, General Duties | Clerk, General Duties | |
| Clerk, General Duties, Maps | |||
| Clerk, General Duties, Personal Services | |||
| Clerk, General Duties, Postal | |||
| Clerk, General Duties, Provisions | |||
| Clerk, General Duties, Computor | |||
| Clerk, equipment and accounting | Clerk, equipment and accounting | Clerk, equipment and accounting | |
| Clerk (pay) | |||
| Clerk, pay and accounting | Clerk, pay and accounting | Clerk, pay and accounting | |
| Clerk, Shorthand Typist | |||
| Clerk, signals | |||
| Clerk, Special Duties | Clerk, Special Duties | Clerk, Special Duties | |
| Clerk (stores) | |||
| Equipment Assistant | Equipment Assistant | ||
| Meteorologist | to Group II | ||
| Radio Telephony Operator | Radio Telephony Operator | Radio Telephony Operator (IV) | |
| Radio Telephony Operator D/F IV | |||
| Teleprinter Operator | Teleprinter Operator | Teleprinter Operator |
Group V
| 1919 | 1938 | 1942 | 1944 |
| Aircrafthand, General Duties | Aircrafthand, General Duties | Aircrafthand, General Duties | |
| Aircrafthand (aerial gunner) | |||
| Aircrafthand (batman) | |||
| Aircrafthand (general duties) | |||
| Aircrafthand (gunnery instructor) | |||
| Aircrafthand (PT Instructor) | |||
| Aircrafthand (under trade training) | Aircrafthand (under trade training) | Aircrafthand (under trade training) | |
| Armament Assistant | ? | Armament Assistant | |
| Barber | Barber | Barber | |
| Batman | Batman | Batman | |
| C W Fighter | |||
| Driver MT | Driver MT | Driver MT | |
| Fire Fighter | |||
| Flying Control Assistant | |||
| Ground Gunner | Ground Gunner | ||
| Ground Observer | Ground Observer | Ground Observer | |
| Groundsman | Groundsman | Groundsman | |
| Gunner | |||
| Machine-gun Instructor | Machine-gun Instructor | ||
| Maintenance Assistant | Maintenance Assistant | Maintenance Assistant | |
| Messing duties | Messing duties | ||
| Motor Cyclist | Motor Cyclist | Motor Cyclist | |
| Musician | Musician | Musician | |
| Packer | |||
| Parachute Packer | Parachute Packer | ||
| Physical Training Instructor | Physical Training Instructor | Physical Training Instructor | |
| Pigeon Keeper | Pigeon Keeper | ||
| RAF Police | |||
| Service Police | Service Police | ||
| Station Police | |||
| Telephone Operator | Telephone Operator | ||
| Torpedoman | Torpedoman | ||
| Vulcaniser | |||
| Works hand |
Medical Group
| 1938 | 1942 | 1944 |
| Chiropodist | ||
| Dental Clerk Orderly | Dental Clerk Orderly | Dental Clerk Orderly |
| Dental Mechanic | Dental Mechanic | Dental Mechanic |
| Dental Hygienist | ||
| Dental Orderly under training | Dental Orderly under training | Dental Orderly under training |
| Dispenser | Dispenser | Dispenser |
| Laboratory Assistant | Laboratory Assistant | Laboratory Assistant |
| Masseur | Masseur | Masseur |
| Medical Orderly under training | Medical Orderly under training | Medical Orderly under training |
| Mental Nursing Orderly | Mental Nursing Orderly | Mental Nursing Orderly |
| Nursing Orderly | Nursing Orderly | Nursing Orderly (including Clerk Medical) |
| Operating Room Assistant | Operating Room Assistant | Operating Room Assistant |
| Optician Orderly? | ||
| Radiographer | Radiographer | Radiographer |
| Sanitary Assistant | Sanitary Assistant | Sanitary Assistant |
| Special Treatment Orderly | Special Treatment Orderly | Special Treatment Orderly |
| Trained Nurse | Trained Nurse | Trained Nurse |
Aircrew
| 1938 | 1942 |
| Air Gunner | Air Gunner |
| Air Observer | Air Observer |
| Airman Pilot | Airman Pilot |
| Radio Operator (air) | Radio Operator (air) |
| Wireless Operator (air) | Wireless Operator (air) |
The 1944 list was assembled from at least two sources but those shown below do not appear in both and some seem to be old trades that should have been superseded by 1944, where a Group is mentioned it is shown brackets. Some of these are shown in earlier lists and may have been obsolete or replaced by newer trades in 1944.
| 1944 | |
| Air Bombing Instructor (I) | Machinist (II) |
| Aircraft Finisher | Mess Steward |
| Air Gunnery Instructor | Metal Rigger (I) |
| Architectural Assistant | Metal Worker (I) |
| Balloon Fabric Worker | Navigation Instructor (I) |
| Balloon Parachute Handler | Optician Orderly |
| Balloon Rigger Fabric Worker | Orderly |
| Bomber Plotter | Pigeon Keeper |
| Carpenter (rigger) (I) | PT & CW Instructor (V) |
| Charging Board Operator | Radio Telephony Operator, Balloons |
| Cine Projectionist | Recruiter |
| Clerk, Codes & Cypher | Rigger (aeroplane) (II) |
| Coach-painter &painter | Rigger Balloon |
| Draughtsman (Cartographer) | Rigger (airship) (II) |
| Driver Winch | Sparking Plug Tester (II) |
| Drogue Packer | Torpedoman (V) |
| Dynamo & Switch Board Operator | Tinsmith (II) |
| Electrician Works | Tinsmith & Sheet Metal Worker (II) |
| Engineer (I) | Tracer |
| Fitter II (I) | Upholsterer |
| Foreman General | WAAF Police |
| Hairdresser | Waitress |
| Instrument Mechanic | Wireless Operator, D/F |
| Interpreter | Wireless Operator, Slip Reader |
| Interpreter (V) | Workshop-hand |
Sources: -
AMO A364/1932
AMO A195/1934
AHB Monograph - 'Manning Plans and Policy'
This page was last updated on 08/07/19 using FrontPage 2003©
