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Royal Air Force

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The Royal Air Force (RAF) was formed on 1 April 1918 by the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). The RFC had been a corps of the army, and the RNAS under the control of Admiralty.

The RAF until the end of the First World War was organised into squadrons, wings and brigades, after the war they were reorganised as squadrons, groups and commands. From 1919 military and naval ranks were replaced with the air force ranks we are familiar with today.

The UK was split into two area commands forming the Air Defence of Great Britain (ADGB). Two other commands, Cranwell and Halton, were responsible for training officers and airmen respectively. In 1936 the ADGB was replaced by new operational commands - Fighter, Bomber, Coastal and Training Commands. RAF Cranwell and RAF Halton became groups within Training Command.

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Service records of men who served only in the RFC may be looked for in the army service records: WO 363 and WO 364 for other ranks and NCOs, and WO 339 and WO 374 for officers. Service details after 1 April 1918 when the RAF was formed will be in Air Ministry series AIR 79 and AIR 76.

Service records of men who served in the RNAS should be looked for in the navy service records: ADM 188 for ratings and petty officers, ADM 196 for warrant and commissioned officers, and ADM 273, RNAS Registers of Officers´ Services. Service details after 1 April 1918 will be in Air Ministry series AIR 79 and AIR 76.

Auxiliary Air Force

Formed in 1925, service records are still held by the Ministry of Defence.

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Formed in 1939, service records are still held by the Ministry of Defence.

The RAF Regiment

In 1942 the Royal Air Force Regiment was formed to protect airfields. RAF Regiment units also saw operational service overseas. Operational record books are in AIR 29. Service records are still held by the Ministry of Defence. 

Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service

Formed in 1921, service records are still held by the Ministry of Defence.