Lieutenant W.A. Saffery. Royal Air Force.
 

© IWM (HU 126113)

http://media.iwm.org.uk/ciim5/436/77...at=photographs

Very interesting. I've NEVER seen a shoulder title like that before! I had always assumed it wasn't until WW2 when nationality titles were first worn.

A bit of searching has confirmed that a William Ambrose Saffery born in South Africa in 1900 attested in 1918.

It is interesting to note that he subsequently served, almost as briefly, in the Tank Corps as a Private soldier.

Never seen one of these before, interesting. Just amazing that there appears to be also an infinite number of variations.... Would make a great collecting area.

I dare not go there but have to admit I have a few rare examples stashed away.

Brian

Is the lack of shoulder straps unusual?

Rgds, Thomas.

I suppose it would depend on when the photo was taken. If it was soon after attesting he may not yet have held any rank?
Cheers,
Alex

By 1918 the RAF had the uniform with rank braid on the cuffs for officers and chevrons on the arm for NCOs so no shoulder straps worn

The RAF did not exist before 1918 and if you look at photographic evidence, the Central Flying School, for example, the particular uniform you wore depended entirely upon where you had actually come from, you often see a far ranging mixture of uniforms, both Naval and Military, being worn, Saffery had no prior service and was a direct entrant into the RAF as a Flight Cadet before receiving his temporary commission.