HC Deb 15 July 1918 vol 108 cc706-7
66. Captain GANZONI

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that a recent Order forbids the wearing of service chevrons by officers and men of the Royal Air Force; whether any reason can be given for this decision; whether he will explain why this differentiation has been made in practice between the Royal Air Force and the two senior Services; and, if the new Order must be adhered to, will any Service distinction be devised entirely suited to the conditions prevailing in the Royal Air Force?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE to the AIR MINISTRY (Major Baird)

The question of wearing service chevrons was very carefully considered by the Air Council, and it was decided that they should not be allowed, as in the Royal Air Force the general conditions are such that service abroad need not involve more risk and discomfort than service at home. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, pilots and observers wear distinctive badges and will continue to do so.