HC Deb 11 March 1942 vol 378 c1077W
Mr. Denville

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the growing importance of the Fleet Air Arm, he will consider the question of raising the status of air gunners to that of air gunners in the Royal Air Force, who hold either non-commissioned or commissioned rank?

Mr. George Hall

Air gunners of the Fleet Air Arm hold leading or higher rate, which is considered appropriate to their duties having regard to those performed by other naval ratings. There is no requirement at present for commissioned air gunners in the naval service, but all naval air gunners are eligible for selection and promotion to commissioned rank as pilots or observers.