Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
Distribution of Duties - Air Ministry (1944 - 1945)
[ACAS (G) | DFCR | DDASR | DG of GD | DDCP | D of SD]
Department of the Chief of the Air Staff
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (General) (ACAS (G))
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
Sir Richard H Peck | AM | Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (General) |
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ACAS (G) is responsible for the following: - |
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P C Vane-Tempest | Flt Off | Staff Officer to ACAS (G) |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, January 1945 - AIR 20/7518 (AL36 - May 1945)
Directorate of Flying Control and Rescue (DFCR)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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H A Haines | A/Cdre | Director of Flying Control and Rescue (DFCR) Chairman: -
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S A Billman | Wg Cdr | Signals Officer |
W H S Mealing | Wg Cdr | Assistant Director of Flying Control (ADFC) Organisation and administration of Flying Control at home overseas. Publicity and security concerning Flying Control |
J G Jackson | Flt Off | Supervision of FC (Ops). Scrutiny of Flying Control Monthly Reports. Recording of Flying Control facilities. Compilation of CD260. Compilation of, and amendments to Lists 'X' and 'Y'. |
FC (Ops) | ||
O M Loubere W F Condy F Smorthwaite |
Flt Off SO SO |
Issue of navigational warnings. Notification of serviceability of airfield, navigational and Flying Control facilities Action regarding overdue aircraft. Night Lights Control. Allocation of reserve aerial lighthouses, landmark beacons and airfield floodlights. |
FC Maps | ||
R O Buchanan | Sqn Ldr | Special map requirements for Air Ministry. Collection and Collation of specialised information to be shown on RAF operational maps. General Liaison Officer between Air Ministry branches and D Survey. |
FC 1 | ||
T Webb | Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) | Planning of Flying Control in
the RAF. Operational development of Flying Control methods and requirements at home including accommodation, equipment and meteorological aspects. |
F R Goodwin |
Sqn Ldr |
Operational development of Flying Control overseas
and ancillary duties. Compilation of publications and orders relating to Flying Control. |
FC 2 | ||
A S Judson | Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) | Operational requirements for all radio aids to
Flying Control. Secretary - Radio Aids (Flying Control) Committee. |
C J Bradshaw | Sqn Ldr | Allocation of radio equipment for Flying Control in
conjunction with the Directorate-General of Signals. Operational technique and procedure for use of Radio Aids for Flying Control. |
R B Roy | SO | Co-ordination of reports on development, production, installation and operational usage of radio aids to Flying Control. |
FC 3 | ||
C A M Kyrke-Smith | Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) | Liaison with Fighter Group Flying Control
organisation. Organisation of "Granite" and Mountain Warning Beacons and Mountain Rescue Schemes. Liaison with department of AMT regarding aircrew training in aircraft safety. |
C R Roxburgh | Maj | Organisation, provision and allotment of searchlights aids to aircraft safety. |
FC 4 | ||
A T H Willis | Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) | Organisation and provision of visual navigational
aids, airfield and ancillary lighting. Investigation of new or modified forms of visual aids and lighting. Secretary - Airfield Lighting Committee. |
FC 4 (a) | ||
H C Drake | Flt Lt | Standardisation of airfield lighting and
modifications to layout. Air testing of airfield and other lighting and visual aids. Visual Airfield Identification. |
FC 4 (b) | ||
D J Looker | Flt Lt | Investigation and layout of contact and obstruction lighting. |
FC 4 (c) | ||
W S Steel | Flt Lt | Organisation of aerial lighthouse scheme and
compilation of SD 214. Organisation of landmark beacon scheme and compilation of SD 264. |
FC 5 | ||
J A Crook | Sqn Ldr | Requirements, selection , training and posting of
Flying Control personnel in conjunction with appropriate
departments. Flying Control establishments in conjunction with DO (Est). |
FC 6 | ||
A Golding-Barrett | Wg Cdr | Organisation and technical supervision of fog
dispersal installations. Liaison with Petroleum Warfare Department. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, 1944 - AIR 20/7517 (AL27 - Jun 1944)
Deputy Directorate of Air/Sea Rescue (DDASR)/Deputy Directorate of Rescue (DD Rescue)*
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
*Name change appeared in AL43 (Oct 1945) |
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G M Bryer | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Air/Sea Rescue (DDASR) |
ASR 1/Rescue 1* | ||
J D Chapple | Cdr RN | Liaison with the Admiralty and Naval Authorities on
matters affecting the provision and operation of naval craft for
Air/Sea Rescue duties. Liaison with, RNLI, Trinity House, Merchant and Fishing Fleets, Ministry of War Transport and Coast Guards. Co-ordination of instructions to marine craft. |
ASR 1 (a)/Rescue 1 (a)* | ||
W L Thomas R Beard |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr |
Rescue marine craft - design, equipment and
movements. Airborne lifeboats. Liaison with Commands in all matters affecting the policy and organisation of RAF rescue marine craft and personnel Rescue statistics affecting marine craft. |
ASR 2/Rescue 2* | ||
D H Dabbs K V Garside (AL43) D F Wilson J M Slot |
Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) Sqn Ldr Flt Lt |
Air/Sea; Desert, Mountain; Jungle Rescue Services
policy, organisation and plans. Syllabi (in liaison with DGT (Air)) for School of Survival and Rescue and all aircrew training units. Training of officers for rescue duties. Scrutiny from policy aspect, of articles and photographs for release to press and for broadcasting, for DPR. |
H T Turnbull | Sqn Ldr | Liaison with Commands with HQs in the UK and NW
Europe Rescue incidents affecting civilian personnel. |
G G Leeder | Sqn Ldr | Liaison with Commands with HQs in the Mediterranean and Middle East |
D C Kennedy | Sqn Ldr | Liaison with Commands with HQs in India, Ceylon and the Far East |
A P Field | Capt (USAAF) | Liaison with Commands with US Army Air Forces. Liaison on Rescue Services, with Commands, Group, etc, and USAAF. |
ASR 3 | ||
O G E Roberts | Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) | Policy of survival during and after forced alighting
and preparations for rescue. Co-ordination of measures for survival in conjunction with MAP, DOR, DPA and DGMS. |
Vacant | Lt Cdr RN | Application of RAF survival measures to the Fleet Air Arm. |
J W Pontefract | Flt Lt | Survival statistics and anlysis. |
ASR 3 (a) | ||
B F Collins F J Sugg |
Sqn Ldr Flt Lt |
Survival in and exit from aircraft forced to alight
on sea or land. Preparation of Survival Instructions, in conjunction with RTP, for aircrew and passengersin all types of aircraft operated by the RAF. |
ASR 3 (b) | ||
F J Finch R G Gill |
Sqn Ldr Flt Lt |
Survival after exit from forced landed aircraft until rescued, including co-operation of survivors in search and rescue. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, January 1945 - AIR 20/7518 (AL43 - Oct 1945)
Directorate-General of Ground Defence (DG of GD)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
A E Robinson | Maj-Gen | Director-General of Ground Defence (DGGD) Commandant, RAF Regiment |
M H D Cockayne | Sqn Ldr | Personal Staff Officer |
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A P Ledger | A/Cdre | Director of Ground Defence (Planning) (DGD (P)) Chairman - COS (DA) Sub-Committee. Member: -
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The Lord Bingham | Col | Deputy Director of Ground Defence (DDGD) Co-ordination and control of GD 2, GD 3, and GD 5. Planning to meet RAF Regiment operational and training requirements. |
K E Parkes | Wg Cdr | Assistant Director of Ground Defence (DDGD) Co-ordination and control of GD 1, and GD 4. Organisation and deployment of airfield defence garrisons. Establishments and manpower questions. |
GD 1 | ||
A J O Warner P Vine |
Sqn Ldr Flt Off |
Plans for the organisation and disposition of RAF
Regiment units, including deployment and moves of Field and AA
Squadrons. Establishment and manpower questions affecting RAF Regiment and airfield defence generally. RAF Regiment Order of Battle, Home and Overseas. Defence arrangements for Air Ministry Vulnerable Points and liaison with Vulnerable Points Adviser and GHQ Home Forces. Policy, from the ground defence aspect, of airfield demolition and obstruction, evacuation, road closures and protected places. |
GD 2 | ||
H G Excell T J Norton G C Wright |
Lt Col Sqn Ldr Capt |
AA training and intelligence. Preparation and issue of training, tactical and operational directives on light AA defence of airfields and RAF Stations. Policy for introduction of new AA weapons, equipment and training devices. Training policy for AA School and Practice Camps. Arrangements for training for RAF Regiment AA Dome Teacher Instructors and the Dome Teacher aspect of RAF and WAAF AA Dome Projectionists in conjunction with T Mech (DDTT). Matters relating to preparation and development of training films for AA Dome Teachers in conjunction with RD Arm 3(a) (MAP). Sighting policy for light AA weapons in conjunction with T Arm 2 (DTF). Liaison with AA Command. RAF Regiment signals training and advice on signals equipment for airfield defence, including light AA signals requirements. |
GD 3 | ||
H Hawkins E A Hubble P I Stewart |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr SO |
Scales of issue of ground defence and AA weapons and
equipment generally, including RAF Regiment requirements. Policy for the provision of RAF Regiment weapons and equipment, and ground defence weapons and equipment for RAF after consultation with DGE branches concerned. Liaison with MAP and Ministry of Supply on development and trial of ground defence weapons, vehicles and equipment, and light AA weapons and mountings. |
GD 4 | ||
J A Lord A Farr |
Lt Col Flt Lt |
Advice on questions of appointment, posting and
promotion of officers of the RAF Regiment in conjunction with AMP
branches. Liaison with War Office and GHQ Home Forces on the selection and loan of Army personnel for duty with the RAF Regiment, including Local Defence Advisers. |
GD 5 | ||
R D Sherbrooke-Walker J H Milward L E Francis E H Toye |
Lt Col Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Flt Off |
RAF Regiment training, other than AA. Preparation of ground defence training directives. Liaison with AMT branches on individual ground defence training policy and with the War Office and Combined Operations HQ on ground defence training matters. Policy for the introduction of new ground defence weapons and new training devices connected therewith. Training records, regulations, instructions and publications. Training aspect of Courts of Enquiry affecting RAF Regiment personnel. |
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A R Thomsett | Higher Clerical Officer | Supervision of Clerical Staff: maintenance of records for Directorate-General. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, 1944 - AIR 20/7517 (AL23 - Feb 1944)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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A E Robinson | Maj-Gen | Director-General of Ground Defence (DGGD) Commandant, RAF Regiment Reports direct to VCAS. |
M H D Cockayne M Tarbet (AL44) |
Sqn Ldr | Personal Staff Officer
Branch Security Officer |
A P Ledger | A/Cdre | Director of Ground Defence (Planning) (DGD (P)) Chairman - COS (DA) Sub-Committee. Member: -
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M D Thunder | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Ground Defence (DDGD) Co-ordination and control of GD 2, GD 3, and GD 5. Planning to meet RAF Regiment operational and training requirements. |
A N Dixon K W J Robertson (AL44) |
Wg Cdr | Assistant Director of Ground Defence (DDGD) Co-ordination and control of GD 1, and GD 4. Organisation and deployment of airfield defence garrisons. Establishments and Manpower questions. |
GD 1 | ||
M A V Russell P Vine |
Sqn Ldr Flt Off |
Plans for the organisation and disposition of RAF
Regiment units, including deployment and moves of Field and AA
Squadrons. Establishment and Manpower questions affecting RAF Regiment and airfield defence generally. RAF Regiment Order of Battle, Home and Overseas. Defence arrangements for Air Ministry Vulnerable Points and liaison with Vulnerable Points Adviser and GHQ Home Forces. Policy, from the ground defence aspect, of airfield demolition and obstruction, evacuation, road closures and protected places. |
GD 2 | ||
H G Excell H H Farthing (AL44) T J Norton G C Wright |
Lt Col Lt Col Sqn Ldr Maj |
AA training and intelligence. Preparation and issue of training, tactical and operational directives on light AA defence of airfields and RAF Stations. Policy for introduction of new AA weapons, equipment and training devices. Training policy for AA School and Practice Camps. Arrangements for training for RAF Regiment AA Dome Teacher Instructors and the Dome Teacher aspect of RAF and WAAF AA Dome Projectionists in conjunction with T Mech (DDTT). Matters relating to preparation and development of training films for AA Dome Teachers in conjunction with RD Arm 3(a) (MAP). Sighting policy for light AA weapons in conjunction with T Arm 2 (DTF). Liaison with AA Command. RAF Regiment signals training and advice on signals equipment for airfield defence, including light AA signals requirements. |
GD 3 | ||
H Hawkins M O Taylor P I Stewart |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr SO |
Scales of issue of ground defence and AA weapons and
equipment generally, including RAF Regiment requirements. Policy for the provision of RAF Regiment weapons and equipment, and ground defence weapons and equipment for RAF after consultation with DGE branches concerned. Liaison with MAP and Ministry of Supply on development and trial of ground defence weapons, vehicles and equipment, and light AA weapons and mountings. |
GD 4 | ||
F W Hilton (AL39) M A V Russell (AL44) A Farr (AL39) N M Shawyer (AL44) |
Wg Cdr Wg Cdr Flt Lt Flt Off |
Advice on questions of appointment, posting and
promotion of officers of the RAF Regiment in conjunction with AMP
branches. Liaison with War Office and GHQ Home Forces on the selection and loan of Army personnel for duty with the RAF Regiment, including Local Defence Advisers. |
GD 5 | ||
S G Dickson L E Francis (AL39) R G Miller (AL4) T T Coulston (AL39) R G B Vessey (AL44) C Openshaw |
Lt Col Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Flt Lt Flt Off SO/Flt Off |
RAF Regiment training, other than AA. Preparation of ground defence training directives. Liaison with AMT branches on individual ground defence training policy and with the War Office and Combined Operations HQ on ground defence training matters. Policy for the introduction of new ground defence weapons and new training devices connected therewith. Training records, regulations, instructions and publications. Training aspect of Courts of Enquiry affecting RAF Regiment personnel. |
Vacant | Higher Clerical Officer | Supervision of Clerical Staff: maintenance of records for Directorate-General. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, AIR 20/7518 (1945)
Deputy Directorate of Counter-Propaganda (DDCP)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
T F D Rose | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Counter-Propaganda (DDCP) |
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CP 1 | ||
F M G Barnes E F Daglish M S S Orr |
Sqn Ldr Flt Lt Flt Off |
Preparation of air scripts for foreign propaganda
broadcasts and leaflets. Liaison with BBC European Broadcasts organisation. |
CP 2 | ||
P S S Clark K Horne J K Blundell |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Flt Off |
Study of enemy propaganda and counter-propaganda. |
CP 3 | ||
D S Horner Miss M L Suter |
Flt Lt Temporary Assistant |
Control of leaflet distribution and organisation. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, 1944 - AIR 20/7517 (AL23 - Feb 1944)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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P S S Clark | Wg Cdr | Assistant Director of Counter-Propaganda (ADCP) |
CP 1 | ||
K Horne E F Daglish |
Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr |
Preparation of air scripts for foreign propaganda
broadcasts and leaflets. Liaison with BBC Overseas Broadcasts Service. |
CP 2 | ||
D Beckett | Flt Off | Study of enemy propaganda and counter-propaganda. |
CP 3 | ||
J M Woodcock Miss M L Suter |
Flt Lt Temporary Assistant |
Control of leaflet distribution and organisation. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties - AIR 20/7518 (1945)
Directorate of Air Tactics (DAT)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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Thomas C Traill | A/Cdre | Director of Air Tactics (DAT) Chairman: -
Member: -
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A C P Carver | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Air Tactics 1 (DDAT (1)) Development of tactical doctrine. Planning and preparation of tactical papers. Policy of Tactical Development Units. Control of AT 1, AT 2, AT 3 and AT 5. |
F G Brookman | Gp Capt (ret'd) | Deputy Director of Air Tactics 2 (DDAT (2)) Continuity of the work of the Directorate. Editing and circulation of Air Staff operational monographs and tactical papers and information. Co-ordination of crew requirements for operational aircraft. Secretary - Bombing Committee (Land Targets). Control of AT 4, AT 6 and AT 7. |
AT 1 | ||
H L Dawson | Wg Cdr | Study and development of Fighter and ground attack tactic
at home and overseas (including study of enemy
fighter tactics) and advice threreon. Liaison with tactical staff in AEAF and in the USAAF. |
AT 2 | ||
M K Sewell | Wg Cdr | Study and development of Bomber tactics (including
fighting tactics) at home and overseas and advice threreon. Liaison with tactical staff in Bomber Command and in the USAAF. |
AT 3 | ||
B E Dobb | Wg Cdr | Study and development of tactics of Coastal type
aircraft (including bombing, fighting, torpedo and anti-submarine
tactics) at home and overseas and advice threreon. Study of the tactical aspect of navigational development. Liaison with tactical staff in Coastal Command. |
AT 4 | ||
W H Clark | Sqn Ldr | Air Tactic Bureau: -
Liaison on matters affecting tactical records with Air Ministry War Room, Admiralty Trade Division. |
AT 4 (a) | ||
J L B Norris | Flt Lt | Extracting and recording of tactical data of AEAF
fighter and ground attack activities and of similar activates
overseas. Assistance to AT 1 |
AT 4 (b) | ||
D H Keary | Sqn Ldr | Extracting and recording of tactical data of Bomber
and Coastal Commands' activities and of similar activities overseas, Assistance to AT 2 and AT 3. |
AT 4 (c) | ||
H E Hutchinson | Higher Clerical Officer | Extracting and recording of information relating to Allied and enemy aircraft
which affects tactics. Assistance to AT 4. Supervision of clerical staff of he Directorate. |
AT 5 | ||
C J Giles | Wg Cdr | Advice on armament questions and study of armament development affecting tactics. |
AT 6 | ||
D M Gent | Flt Off | Assistant to DDAT 2. Circulation of DAT tactical papers. Enquiries regarding numbers and duties of crews of aircraft. |
AT 7 (a) | ||
H A Bartlett | Sqn Ldr | Production of Air Staff monographs on bombing subjects. |
AT 7 (b) | ||
R B Sears | Sqn Ldr | Production of Air Staff monographs on air fighting subjects. |
AT 7 (c) | ||
C Whitley | Sqn Ldr | Production of Air Staff monographs on GR subjects. |
AT 7 (d) | ||
M F Cooper | Sqn Ldr | Production of Air Staff monographs on Signals and Radar activities. |
Air Ministry War Room Report direct to ACAS (G) | ||
G P M Davis F C Farrington A C Colbrook |
Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr |
Receipt and correlation of information, preparation
and distribution of operational summaries and reporting of current
operations. Compilation and maintenance of operational statistics, and issue of analysis and returns based thereon. The depicting of the general situation in all theatres of war, including dispositions and strength and all Air Forces. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, 1944 - AIR 20/7517 (AL29 - Jul 1944)
Deputy Directorate of Science (DD Science)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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A C Menzies | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Science (DD Science) Also Deputy Scientific Adviser to the Air Ministry. Reports on administrative policy to ACAS (Ops) and on all matters relating to operational research jointly to ACAS (Ops) and SAAM. On purely scientific matters he reports to SAAM |
Science 1 | ||
L A MacDonnell | Wg Cdr | Administration for DD Science. Establishment of Operational Research Sections at home and overseas in conjunction with S2. Receipt and distribution of Operational Research Section Reports. Moves of Operational Research Section personnel in conjunction with MAP. Liaison with overseas sections. |
J E Linton | Sqn Off | Co-ordination of information from Operational Research Sections on Radar emissions. |
M P L Wall | Sqn Ldr | Co-ordination of information from Operational Research Sections on subjects other than Radar, |
M Keith | Flt Off | General assistance to Wg Cdr generally. |
Science 2 | ||
I C de Teissier P G Ashmore R E Macpherson R W H Stevenson |
Senior Scientific Officer Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr |
Special investigations. |
Science 3 | ||
Dr D C Gordon Dr H R Pitt L Farrington |
Principal Scientific Officer Senior Scientific Officer Plt Off |
Investigation of the scientific aspects of problems
connected with manpower, scales of effort ands maintenance. Scientific investigation of indices to measure the relative efficiency of aircraft types, and of other problems which affect operations but which are not directly operational in character. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, 1944 - AIR 20/7517 (AL29 - Jul 1944)
Directorate of Staff Duties (DSD)
Name | Status/Rank | Role/Duties |
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Vacant | A/Cdre | Director of Staff Duties (DSD) |
Gareth G Barrett | Gp Capt | Deputy Director of Staff Duties (DDSD) |
SD 1 | ||
D C Smith V G Owen Jones R A E Milton M B Whitbread J Williams R B Sears Miss V M Leeming |
Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr Junior Executive Officer |
Preparation of Air Staff memoranda, manuals and publications. |
SD 2 | ||
Vacant | Wg Cdr (Head of Branch) | Service writing. Preparation of papers and assembly of information for the RAF Staff College. Liaison with Army and Navy Staff Colleges. Liaison with DPR on Air Staff matters. |
Source - List of Staff and Distribution of Duties, 1945 - AIR 20/7518 (1945)
This page was last updated on 19/07/22