HC Deb 25 November 1942 vol 385 c698
11. Mr. Touche

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the anxiety caused to Royal Air Force non-commissioned officers on operational duties by the fact that in the event of being temporarily incapacitated by wounds or illness they are liable to forfeit their rank, which both involves loss of pay and is liable to be misunderstood by the public; and whether he can make a statement on the subject?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

My hon. Friend is, I think, under a misapprehension. Airmen who are temporarily withdrawn from aircrew duty on account of wounds or illness do not forfeit their rank.