In the Royal Flying Corps, Air Mechanic 1st Class. Air Mechanics 2nd and 3rd Class were the equivalents of Army Privates, for men employed in technical roles. A similar structure was in use in the Royal Naval Air Service. Non-technical ratings in the RNAS were 2nd Class Aircraftsman, 1st Class Aircraftsman & Leading Aircraftsman. (This has parallels with Stoker 2nd Class, Stoker 1st Class & Leading Stoker as ratings.) When the Royal Air Force was formed, the ranks of Private 2nd Class and Private 1st class were used to denote pay for non-technical staff. On 1 January 1919 the rank of Aircraftman replaced the ranks of Private, Air Mechanic, and Clerk.
Created by: , Keith1947
Born 1899
Died 1918
Air Force (RAF/RFC) 294297 Private 2nd Class Royal Air Force