PRIVATE 1ST CLASS, ROYAL AIR FORCE

[alf mcm]

I am researching William Edward Hughes Peden. He died on 08/08/1918, and his rank is given, on CWGC, as Private 1st Class. Is this rank correct? Were more junior servicemen known as Privates, or Privates, 2nd Class?

Regards,

Alf McM

[welshdoc]

Im no expert but I thought the ranks would be aircraftsman or air mechanic 1st/2nd class. I have seen MICS with private but not with 1st/2nd/ class (but Im sure someone will come along and say OH YES there is)

edit : bu*s there is at least 4

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...mp;mediaarray=*

so its possibly correct

[per ardua per mare per terram]

His army record (for his time in the RFC) is a standard army search. His RAF service record should be in AIR 79/627; these are not online, but you can request it using the shop oline facility. As for the rank, its one of those that the RAF introduced after their formation.

[Dolphin]

Alf

Early RAF ranks included grades of Private, so your man was Pte Class I W E H Peden (67992) of the RAF Recruits Depot.

Regards

Gareth

[alf mcm]

Many thanks for all your replies, would Private 1st Class replace the rank of Lance Corporal?

Regards,

Alf McM

[Guest baxtera]

Hello, I am also researching William Edward Hughes Peden and his brother John Clarkson Peden (35127) as these servicemen were great uncles of mine that I know very little of. This is great information and so pleased to have found your site. If anyone has any further information i would love to hear it. Many thanks.

A.Baxter

[Errol Martyn]

" I thought the ranks would be aircraftsman or air mechanic 1st/2nd class. I have seen MICS with private but not with 1st/2nd/ class (but Im sure someone will come along and say OH YES there is)"

Just a minor correction - it's aircraftman (no 's').

"His RAF service record should be in AIR 79/627; these are not online"

Yes they are online, but through Findmypast, not National Archives.

Errol