Looking for information about SAAF ranks in WWII

[GatinhoDeGato123]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a list of all the ranks that were used by the South African Air Force in the second world war and, if possible, also a chart of the insignias.

Any help would be appreciated!

[Arthur R]

The ranks were similar to the Land Forces. NCOs wore the insignia on their sleeves, officers wore them on their shoulders.

Officers
From 2nd lieutenant up to lieutenant-colonel. Colonels and higher-ranking officers were in the Staff Corps rather than the SAAF as such. The Director-General of the Air Force was a major-general.

The Women's Auxiliary Air Force used different titles :
Wing Officer (= lieutenant-colonel)
Squadron Officer (= major)
Flight Officer (= captain)
Section Officer (= lieutenant)
Assistant Section Officer (= 2nd lieutenant).

Other ranks
Warrant Officer I (SA coat of arms above an eagle)
Warrant Officer II (crown above an eagle)
Flight Sergeant (crown above an eagle above 3 chevrons)
Air Sergeant (eagle above 3 chevrons)
Air Corporal (2 chevrons)
Leading Air Mechanic (4-bladed propellor)
Air Mechanic (no insignia).

[GatinhoDeGato123]

Hello Arthur,

Thank you very much for this!