2007-08-29
Sorting out RAF Ranks
Writing a publication dealing with history of aerial operations in World War II requires standardization of some terminology. Using the same term or abbreviation for the same occurrence is one of those small things that the reader seldom needs to think about, but one which increases the clarity and understanding of the text and helps avoiding confusion about quoted facts.
Working with the operational history of the Spitfire, I had to set up a few basic notation standards. Versions of the aircraft, unit designations, names of geographic places and military ranks all come to mind. Notably, a seemingly straightforward subject of military ranks in the RAF caused me some difficulty which I’d like to share
While understanding the rank structure itself poses no problems, using a correct abbreviation for each rank may cause some headache. For example, the rank of Squadron Leader may be referred to in the literature as Sqn Ldr, Sqn/Ldr or even S/L, depending on the source. Wing Commander may be abbreviated Wg Cdr, W/Cdr, W Cdr, W/C, and so on.
The ranks used in the Royal Air Force today are very much corresponding to those used in the 1940s, with the exception of Sergeant who among the air crew bore was referred to as Flight Sergeant back then. As part of NATO, modern RAF has standardized its ranks with reference to the common NATO system. This system includes standardized abbreviations for each rank, written without punctuation marks. The correct abbreviation for Squadron Leader is therefore Sqn Ldr.
This could provide a satisfactory solution to the problem if it weren’t for the fact that during World War II period the ranks were abbreviated quite differently. Moreover, they were abbreviated differently in various Commonwealth forces. Thus, in the RAF, Squadron Leader would be Sqn/Ldr (using the slash being some kind of fashion at the time), but RCAF personnel might have written S/L
All things considered, I have settled on using the historic RAF abbreviations as presented in the following table.
Any further help with this matter will be appreciated. Should you find an error or have anything to add, please add your comment to this article below.
Working with the operational history of the Spitfire, I had to set up a few basic notation standards. Versions of the aircraft, unit designations, names of geographic places and military ranks all come to mind. Notably, a seemingly straightforward subject of military ranks in the RAF caused me some difficulty which I’d like to share
While understanding the rank structure itself poses no problems, using a correct abbreviation for each rank may cause some headache. For example, the rank of Squadron Leader may be referred to in the literature as Sqn Ldr, Sqn/Ldr or even S/L, depending on the source. Wing Commander may be abbreviated Wg Cdr, W/Cdr, W Cdr, W/C, and so on.
The ranks used in the Royal Air Force today are very much corresponding to those used in the 1940s, with the exception of Sergeant who among the air crew bore was referred to as Flight Sergeant back then. As part of NATO, modern RAF has standardized its ranks with reference to the common NATO system. This system includes standardized abbreviations for each rank, written without punctuation marks. The correct abbreviation for Squadron Leader is therefore Sqn Ldr.
This could provide a satisfactory solution to the problem if it weren’t for the fact that during World War II period the ranks were abbreviated quite differently. Moreover, they were abbreviated differently in various Commonwealth forces. Thus, in the RAF, Squadron Leader would be Sqn/Ldr (using the slash being some kind of fashion at the time), but RCAF personnel might have written S/L
All things considered, I have settled on using the historic RAF abbreviations as presented in the following table.
Any further help with this matter will be appreciated. Should you find an error or have anything to add, please add your comment to this article below.
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posted by
Tim on 29-Sep-2007 12:27:00
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During WWII there were three levels of Aircraftman - 1st & 2nd Class and Leading Aircraftman. Glad to see you have not fallen into the trap of referring to 'aircraftsman', as it is not correct. I should know, as I was one in 1975. Their abbreviations are AC 1, AC 2 and LAC.
Sergeant aircrew were (and are still)
referred to as Sgt. Flight Sergeant is merely another step up the rank ladder. Oddly enough, only pilots were addressed as 'Sergeant Pilot' or Sgt Plt. When he got promoted he was simply called F/Sgt along with all other aircrew with that rank.
Commanding Officer is, of course, the C.O., but just to catch you out sometimes he might also be known as the Officer Commanding or O.C.
Whether their higher rank entitled them to punctuation in their abbreviated titles (!), I can only guess, but I've only ever seen them as such. At the highest end of the rank ladder you have Group Captains, Air Commodores, Air Vice Marshalls, Air Marshalls and Air Chief Marshalls. The first two of these are subject to variable abbreviation forms, such as Grp Capt, G/C or G/Capt and Air Cdr or A/Cdr. The last three are usually seen as AVM or A.V.M., AM or A.M. and ACM or A.C.M.
I hope some of this is useful, Martin,
Tim.