RNAS & RAF

[Peter J]

Dear All,

Looking for advice relating to the rank and trade of a chap who transferred from the RNAS to the RAF at the time the RFC and RNAS merged in 1918. The RAF Muster Rolls of the time provide the following information; but can anyone kindly tell me what exactly his day-to-day duties may have been, please?

RNAS Trade = Labourer - Re-mustered to RAF Trade = Labourer

RNAS Rating = AC2 (Aircraft man 2nd Class) - RAF Rank = Private 2 (Private 2nd Class)

To the best of my knowledge, man was stationed at RNAS Gt. Yarmouth, leading up to the merger.

With thanks,

[RFT]

Hello Peter

You really need to see your man's service record but the following indicates how these ranks evolved.

Your man as a Private, 2nd Class (non-technical) would eventually be remustered Aircraftman, 2nd Class.

By 1919 (January I believe) there were close to 90 RAF trade categories and other ranks would be remustered as follows:

Air Mechanic, 1st Class (Technical) and Clerk, 1st Class were remustered Leading Aircraftman.

Air Mechanic, 2nd Class (Technical); Private, 1st Class (Non-Technical); and Clerk, 2nd Class were remusterd Aircraftman, 1st Class.

Air Mechanic, 3rd Class (Technical); Private, 2nd Class (Non-Technical); and Clerk, 3rd Class were remustered Aircraftman, 2nd Class.

The RAF trade was also destined to be described (in brackets) e.g. Aircraftman, 2nd Class (Batman).

Rob.

[Peter J]

Hello Rob,

That is extremely helpful - many thanks.

All the best,